Key result
Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction yields similar muscle hypertrophy to high-load training.
Why the study?
The study analyzed the effect of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction versus high-load resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, focusing on the repetition scheme adopted.
Does low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction improve muscle hypertrophy compared to high-load resistance training?
Meta-Analysis
Does low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction improve muscle hypertrophy compared to high-load resistance training?
Effect estimate: SMD 0.046
p-value: p=0.14
Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction elicits similar muscle hypertrophy to high-load resistance training regardless of repetition scheme, though high-load training may be slightly more beneficial for upper limbs.
Enables low-load BFR as practical alternative for patients intolerant to high loads; confirms similar hypertrophy effects regardless of repetition scheme.
Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed the effect of low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle hypertrophy focusing on the repetition scheme adopted. Methods Four databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of LL-RT with BFR versus HL-RT on muscle hypertrophy. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were pooled in a random effects meta-analysis. Results The overall analysis did not demonstrate significant differences between conditions (SMD = 0.046; p = 0.14). A similar result was observed when we separately analyzed studies that used sets to momentary muscle failure (SMD = 0.033; p = 0.520), sets of 15 repetitions (SMD = 0.005; p = 0.937) and a fixed repetition scheme composed of 75 repetitions (SMD = 0.088; p = 0.177). The analysis considering body region indicates no difference in lower limb exercise between HL-RT and LL-RT with BFR (SMD = 0.00066; p = 0.795) while upper limb exercise favors HL-RT (SMD = 0.231; p = 0.005). Conclusion LL-RT with BFR elicits muscle hypertrophy similar to HL-RT regardless of the employed repetition scheme, although there appears to be a small beneficial effect in favor of HL-RT in upper limb exercise.
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Queirós et al. (2024) conducted a meta-analysis in Muscle hypertrophy. Low-load resistance training (LL-RT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) vs. High-load resistance training (HL-RT) was evaluated on Muscle hypertrophy (SMD 0.046, p=0.14). Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction elicited similar muscle hypertrophy to high-load resistance training overall (SMD 0.046; p=0.14), regardless of the repetition scheme.
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