Key result
Aerobic training with blood flow restriction improved VO2max (SMD 0.27; 95% CI 0.02-0.52; p<0.05) and muscle strength compared to aerobic training without blood flow restriction in young adults.
Why the study?
Aerobic training with blood flow restriction has shown promise for enhancing aerobic capacity and exercise performance, but systematic evidence on its effectiveness for aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and hypertrophy in young adults was needed.
Does aerobic training with blood flow restriction improve aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and hypertrophy compared to aerobic training without blood flow restriction in young adults?
Meta-Analysis (n=270)
Does aerobic training with blood flow restriction improve aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and hypertrophy compared to aerobic training without blood flow restriction in young adults?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.27 (95% CI 0.02–0.52)
p-value: p=<0.05
Aerobic training with blood flow restriction is more effective than standard aerobic training for improving aerobic capacity and muscle strength in young adults.
AT-BFR may augment aerobic training gains in VO2max and strength among young adults; extends BFR evidence to endurance exercise.
Aerobic training with blood flow restriction (AT-BFR) has shown promise in enhancing both aerobic capacity and exercise performance. The aim of this review was to systematically analyze the evidence regarding the effectiveness of this novel training method on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and hypertrophy in young adults. Studies were identified through a search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. A total of 16 studies, involving 270 subjects, were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that AT-BFR induced greater improvements in VO 2max (SMD = 0.27, 95%CI: [0.02, 0.52], p < 0.05), and muscle strength (SMD = 0.39, 95%CI: [0.09, 0.69], p < 0.05), compared to aerobic training with no blood flow restriction (AT-noBFR). However, no significant effect was observed on muscle mass (SMD = 0.23, 95%CI: [-0.09, 0.56], p = 0.162). Furthermore, no moderating effects on the outcomes were found for individual characteristics or training factors. In conclusion, AT-BFR is more effective than AT-noBFR in improving aerobic capacity and muscle strength, making it a promising alternative to high-intensity training. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , identifier CRD42024559872.
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Gao et al. (2025) reported a meta-analysis. Aerobic training with blood flow restriction (AT-BFR) vs. Aerobic training with no blood flow restriction (AT-noBFR) was evaluated on VO2max (SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.02, 0.52, p=<0.05). Aerobic training with blood flow restriction improved VO2max (SMD 0.27; 95% CI 0.02-0.52; p<0.05) and muscle strength compared to aerobic training without blood flow restriction in young adults.
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