Efficacy of Blood Flow Restriction Training as a Novel Treatment Approach for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Narrative Review of Existing Literature

Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) helps reduce pain and improve muscle strength and hypertrophy at low intensity by partially occluding arterial inflow and fully restricting venous outflow. This is particularly beneficial for populations contraindicated for High Intensity Resistance Training (HRT). However, there is a lack of research on BFRT that can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of this review is to summarise the current available evidence on the efficacy of BFRT as a novel treatment approach for musculoskeletal conditions, as well as to identify gaps in the literature that may require further research. Databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, PROSPERO, and PEDro were searched. Articles were included if they described BFRT as a primary intervention. BFRT is an effective treatment approach for musculoskeletal conditions and is indeed a novel strategy. The findings of this review suggest that BFRT can be included in the treatment of conditions like osteoarthritis, low back pain, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Low load BFRT is an essential treatment option that can be used for musculoskeletal conditions. Individuals contraindicated for high-intensity or high load training can adopt low load BFRT as a primary intervention.