Chronic adaptations to blood flow restriction aerobic or bodyweight resistance training: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to examine the chronic adaptations of blood flow restriction (BFR) in conjunction with aerobic and bodyweight resistance training. A search of the electronic databases PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, SPORTDiscus® (via EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane (Central) was conducted to identify relevant published studies. The inclusion criteria encompassed a healthy adult sample population (>18 years), original studies, chronic exercise training interventions (minimum 2 weeks duration) employing aerobic BFR exercise or bodyweight resistance BFR exercise, and comparisons with equivalent intensity non-BFR aerobic or bodyweight resistance training. Thirty-three (n = 33) studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Among the included studies, chronic adaptations to BFR aerobic training were characterized by significant improvements in aerobic capacity (4–9%), muscle strength (6–31%), and muscle hypertrophy (2–11%) compared to non-BFR aerobic training. Furthermore, bodyweight resistance BFR training increased muscle hypertrophy (3–5%) and strength (4–11%). The findings suggest that both aerobic and bodyweight BFR training provide interchangeable options for practitioners prescribing BFR without access to a traditional equipment filled training environment, supporting flexibility in exercise programme design tailored to individual preferences, facility constraints, and specific fitness goals.