Key result
Blood flow restriction training for musculoskeletal disorders is associated with adverse reactions ranging from discomfort to rhabdomyolysis, which can be mitigated by following safety guidelines.
Why the study?
There are no definitive parameters for clinicians to ensure safe and effective use of blood flow restriction training across musculoskeletal disorders.
Is blood flow restriction training safe for patients with musculoskeletal disorders?
Systematic Review
Is blood flow restriction training safe for patients with musculoskeletal disorders?
Following recommended safety guidelines, such as using devices that measure exact pressure for personalized occlusion, decreases the risk of adverse reactions during BFRT for musculoskeletal disorders.
BFRT requires strict safety guideline adherence to minimize risks in musculoskeletal disorders; leaves open need for prospective controlled safety trials.
Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is low-level resistance training while partially occluding proximal blood flow.It is well documented that this style of training leads to increased muscle size as well as strength.It is theorized that these size and strength gains are due in part to the decreased oxygen environment.This results in increased muscular stress without the need for increased external load making this style of resistance training ideal for individuals who have restrictions due to musculoskeletal disorders.The guiding systematic review examined the safety of BFRT when used as a therapeutic intervention for patients with a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.Currently, there are no definitive set of parameters for clinicians to follow to ensure safe and effective use of BFRT.The purpose of the guiding review was to evaluate the safety and possible adverse events that may occur from different BFRT parameters in the rehabilitation or musculoskeletal disorders.There are many different types of devices used when implementing BFRT, but safety parameters suggest using a device that can measure the exact pressure so that occlusion can be personalized for each patient.Using a predetermined pressure for all patients could result in full occlusion, depriving the muscle of all oxygen and creating too much muscular stress.Conversely, not enough occlusion could result in a lack of muscular stress occurring to lead to muscular adaptations, ultimately rendering the treatment pointless.Additionally, timing of the exercises, which is work-torest ratios, as well as the frequency of training, is an important component for safe and effective use.Finally, the movement selection, load, and volume contribute to the parameters for safe and effective use of BFRT.Adverse reactions found in the guiding systematic review ranged from discomfort or dull pain to rhabdomyolysis.Following recommended safety guidelines decreased the risk of adverse reactions.
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A 2022 study conducted a systematic review in musculoskeletal disorders. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) was evaluated on safety and possible adverse events. Blood flow restriction training for musculoskeletal disorders is associated with adverse reactions ranging from discomfort to rhabdomyolysis, which can be mitigated by following safety guidelines.
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