Key result
Lower limb blood flow restriction training significantly induced post-activation potentiation compared with control groups (SMD 0.36).
Why the study?
The effect of blood flow restriction training with different intermittent durations on lower limb post-activation potentiation and the optimal rest interval window remained unclear.
Does lower limb blood flow restriction training improve post-activation potentiation in healthy individuals compared to non-BFR training?
Meta-Analysis (n=281)
Does lower limb blood flow restriction training improve post-activation potentiation in healthy individuals compared to non-BFR training?
Lower limb blood flow restriction training effectively induces post-activation potentiation, with optimal effects achieved using squat exercises at 40%-70% 1RM, 40%-60% absolute occlusion pressure, and 2-4 minute rest intervals.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
BFR may aid acute lower-limb power in training; extends RCT evidence on optimal intermittent durations.
Objective This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) training with different intermittent durations on the post-activation potentiation (PAP) of lower limbs, and clarify the optimal rest interval window and related key training parameters. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of BFR training on lower limb PAP were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and CNKI databases in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The search period covered from the establishment of each database to November 15, 2025. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used for literature quality assessment, Review Manager 5.3 software for statistical analysis, Stata 17.0 software for sensitivity analysis, and Egger test combined with funnel plots for detecting publication bias. Results A total of 16 RCTs involving 281 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that lower limb BFR training significantly induced PAP compared with the control group [ SMD = 0.36, 95% CI (0.07, 0.65), P = 0.02]. Subgroup analysis indicated that rest interval, compressive strength, exercise mode, exercise intensity, and outcome extracted were potential sources of heterogeneity among studies. The largest effect sizes with statistical significance were observed in the following subgroups: rest interval (2~4 min) [ SMD = 0.83, 95% CI (0.56, 1.11), P < 0.0001], compressive strength (40%~60% AOP) [ SMD = 0.76, 95% CI (0.46, 1.06), P < 0.0001], exercise mode (Squat) [ SMD = 0.49, 95% CI (0.02, 0.97), P = 0.04], exercise intensity (40%~70% 1RM) [ SMD = 0.99, 95% CI (0.48, 1.51), P = 0.0002], and outcome extracted (Counter movement jump, CMJ) [ SMD = 0.53, 95% CI (0.17, 0.89), P = 0.004]. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results, and funnel plots combined with Egger test showed no significant publication bias (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Lower limb BFR training can effectively induce PAP. For BFR interventions targeting lower limb PAP induction, the optimal potentiation effect is achieved with squat exercises at an exercise intensity of 40%~70% 1RM, a compressive strength of 40%~60% absolute occlusion pressure (AOP), and an inter-set rest interval of 2~4 min. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , identifier CRD42023478585.
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Miao et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Healthy individuals evaluating post-activation potentiation (n=281). Blood flow restriction training vs. Alternative training methods without blood flow restriction or non-training control was evaluated on Post-activation potentiation (PAP) of lower limbs (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.07, 0.65, p=0.02). Lower limb blood flow restriction training significantly induced post-activation potentiation compared with control groups (SMD 0.36).
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