Key result
Blood flow restriction training shows no benefit over conventional training for exercise capacity in COPD.
Why the study?
COPD is often accompanied by skeletal muscle dysfunction, and blood flow restriction training is a low-load strategy that may induce adaptations comparable to conventional resistance training.
Does blood flow restriction training improve exercise capacity, health status, and strength compared to conventional training in individuals with COPD?
Meta-Analysis (n=103)
Does blood flow restriction training improve exercise capacity, health status, and strength compared to conventional training in individuals with COPD?
Blood flow restriction training may offer a safe and feasible alternative to conventional resistance training for COPD patients unable to tolerate high loads, though current evidence remains inconclusive.
No demonstrated benefit of BFRT over conventional training on exercise capacity; leaves open comparative efficacy pending larger trials.
OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often accompanied by skeletal muscle dysfunction, limiting exercise tolerance and quality of life. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a low-load strategy that may induce adaptations comparable to conventional resistance training. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of BFRT in individuals with COPD. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched to April 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing BFRT with conventional training were included. Methodological quality was assessed with PEDro and TESTEX scales, and certainty of evidence with GRADE. RESULTS: Four studies (103 participants) were included, three eligible for meta-analysis. Pooled analyses did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between BFRT and conventional training for exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test: MD 6.76 m, 95% CI -31.80 to 45.31), health status (COPD Assessment Test: MD -0.11, 95% CI -3.65 to 3.43), or knee-extension strength (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.29). It is important to note that the absence of a statistically significant difference does not imply equivalence or non-inferiority. No adverse events were reported. DISCUSSION: BFRT may yield similar outcomes to conventional resistance training in COPD and may offer a safe, feasible alternative for patients unable to tolerate high loads. However, due to the limited number of studies and the exploratory nature of this meta-analysis, these findings should be considered inconclusive. Larger, high-quality trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
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Alonso-González et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=103). Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) vs. Conventional training was evaluated on Exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test) (MD 6.76, 95% CI -31.80 to 45.31). Blood flow restriction training showed no significant difference versus conventional training for exercise capacity (MD 6.76 m; 95% CI -31.80 to 45.31) in patients with COPD.
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