Blood flow restriction combined with resistance training is comparable to traditional resistance training in enhancing muscle strength (SMD 0.11) and muscle thickness (SMD -0.07) in young adults.
Meta-Analysis (n=515)
Does blood flow restriction combined with resistance training improve muscle strength and thickness compared to traditional resistance training in young adults?
Blood flow restriction combined with resistance training offers a viable alternative to high-intensity resistance training for improving muscle strength and thickness in young adults, with potentially reduced injury risks.
Effect estimate: SMD 0.11 (95% CI -0.08 to 0.29)
p-value: p=0.302
Background: High-intensity resistance training is known to be the most effective method for enhancing muscle strength and thickness, but it carries potential injury risks. Blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with resistance training has been proposed as a safer alternative method for improving muscle strength and thickness. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted, including 20 studies from five databases that met the inclusion criteria, to assess the efficacy of BFR combined with resistance training compared to traditional resistance training (NOBFR). The analysis focused on changes in muscle strength and thickness. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore the effects of tourniquet width and pressure. Results: = 0%]. Subgroup analysis indicated no significant differences in muscle strength (P = 0. 66) and thickness (P = 0. 87) between low-intensity BFR training and other intensity levels. Meta-regression suggested that tourniquet width and pressure might affect intervention outcomes, although the effects were not statistically significant (P > 0. 05). Conclusion: BFR combined with resistance training offers a viable alternative to high-intensity resistance training with reduced injury risks. We recommend interventions of 2-3 sessions per week at 20%-40% of 1 RM, using a wider cuff and applying an arterial occlusion pressure of 50%-80% to potentially enhance muscle strength and thickness. It is also recommended to release tourniquet pressure during rest intervals to alleviate discomfort. This protocol effectively improves muscle strength with minimal cardiac workload and reduced risk of adverse events. Systematic Review Registration: https: //www. crd. york. ac. uk/prospero/displayᵣecord. php? ID=CRD42023495465, identifier CRD42023495465.
Ma et al. (Mon,) conducted a meta-analysis in Healthy young adults (n=515). Blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with resistance training vs. Traditional resistance training without BFR was evaluated on Muscle strength (SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.29, p=0.302). Blood flow restriction combined with resistance training is comparable to traditional resistance training in enhancing muscle strength (SMD 0.11) and muscle thickness (SMD -0.07) in young adults.