THE EFFICACY AND VALIDITY OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING IN CLINICAL AND POST-SURGICAL POPULATIONS

Abstract

Background: We currently know BFR training is a viable modality for strength gains in the healthy population. However , it is unknown the effect of BFR training on post-surgical and clinical populations. Furthermore, the optimal use of the BFR modality regarding resistance vs. no-resistance (bodyweight) is also unknown. This literature review adds new information to the field of BFR training specifically in the post-surgical and clinical populations. The objective of the study is to explore the validity and efficacy of blood-restriction training (BFR) in conjunction with low-load resistance training (LL-BFR) versus low-load training without BFR and high-load resistance training without BFR to determine which is superior for strength gains. Methods: The authors used SPORTDiscus, EBSCO, PubMed, and Science Direct to search for peer-reviewed articles. The articles chosen had the keywords/phrases "BFR, " "vascular occlusion, " "strength training, " "resistance training. " The studied emphasized patients with either clinical conditions (osteoarthritis) or musculoskeletal injuries (ACL reconstruction , total knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy). One hundred seventy-one articles were screened, and 17 articles reviewed. Results: BFR, in conjunction with low-load resistance training yields superior strength gains when compared to low-load training alone (p