Key result
Blood flow restriction training may be an effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy for knee pathologies, based on a systematic review of 9 studies (N=540) with a 1b level of evidence.
Why the study?
Blood flow restriction is proposed as an effective treatment method, but its effects compared to conventional training to optimize functional recovery in patients with knee pathologies needed evaluation.
Does blood flow restriction training improve functional recovery compared to conventional training in patients with knee pathologies?
Systematic Review (n=540)
Does blood flow restriction training improve functional recovery compared to conventional training in patients with knee pathologies?
Blood flow restriction training is a potentially effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy for functional recovery in patients with knee pathologies.
Supports BFR training for knee pathologies; reinforces grade A recommendation from level 1b evidence.
Background: Blood flow restriction is proposed as an effective treatment method due to strength gain, muscle mass and pain reduction. This review aimed to evaluate and determine the effects of blood flow restriction training versus conventional training to optimize the functional recovery process in patients with knee pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, anterior cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis. Methods: This is a systematic review study. A literature search of studies published from 2015 to 2025 in English and Spanish was conducted in the Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Science Direct databases according to the Priority Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In order to determine the methodological quality and scientific evidence of the studies, the Critical Review Form and Oxford scales were applied. Results: Nine articles with a total sample of 540 subjects were selected. The methodological quality scores ranged from 7 to 12 points, and the studies had a level of evidence of 1b with a grade of recommendation of A. Conclusions: Blood flow restriction training may be an effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy treatment. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or non-profit sectors. Registration: This review was registered on the OSF.
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López-Santana et al. (2025) conducted a systematic review in Knee pathologies (rheumatoid arthritis, anterior cruciate ligament rupture, osteoarthritis) (n=540). Blood flow restriction training vs. Conventional training was evaluated on Functional recovery process. Blood flow restriction training may be an effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy for knee pathologies, based on a systematic review of 9 studies (N=540) with a 1b level of evidence.
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