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September 18, 2026Journal of Sports SciencesOpen Access

Blood flow restricted walking moderately improves cardiovascular fitness and functional performance versus non-BFR walking.

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Why the study?

Increasing evidence from randomised controlled trials demonstrates blood flow restriction improves walking intervention outcomes compared to walking without blood flow restriction, but a comprehensive synthesis of effects on cardiovascular fitness, muscular development, and functional performance was needed.

Does blood flow restriction walking improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular development, and functional performance in adults compared to non-BFR walking?

Population

Adults aged 18 years and older from 12 randomised controlled trials

Comparison

Blood flow restriction walking interventions versus non-blood flow restriction walking control

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines

Key result

Blood flow restricted walking improved cardiovascular fitness (g = 0.31; 95% CI 0.05-0.59) and functional performance (g = 0.57; 95% CI 0.21-0.92) compared to non-BFR walking.

Authors

MBMichael BeereJMJames R. McKeeIRIsaac Selva Raj

Discussion

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Overview

BFR walking may enhance fitness and function in adults; confirms and extends prior RCT evidence via meta-analysis.

Key Points

  • To evaluate the effects of blood flow restricted walking interventions on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular hypertrophy, and functional performance in adults.
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis conducted across six databases up to April 2025 following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42024494720).
  • Included 12 randomized controlled trials of adults (≥ 18 years) undergoing blood flow restriction walking for ≥ 12 sessions and ≥ 10 minutes per session compared to non-restricted walking controls.
  • Blood flow restriction walking significantly improved cardiovascular fitness (Hedges' g = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.59) and functional performance (g = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.92) compared to non-restricted walking.
  • Interventions also demonstrated superior gains in lower-limb muscular strength (g = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.57) and muscle hypertrophy (g = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.51).

Study Design

Type

Meta-Analysis

Structured PICO

Does blood flow restriction walking improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular development, and functional performance in adults compared to non-BFR walking?

P
Population
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials evaluating blood flow restricted walking versus non-BFR walking in adults.
I
Intervention
Blood flow restriction (BFR) walking interventions (≥ 12 sessions and ≥10 min/session)
C
Comparator
Non-BFR walking control group
O
Outcome
Cardiovascular fitness, lower-limb muscular strength, hypertrophy, and functional performancesurrogate

Main Result

Standardized Mean Difference: 0.31 (95% CI 0.05–0.59)

Blood flow restriction walking improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, hypertrophy, and functional performance compared to non-BFR walking in adults.

Cite This Study

Beere et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Adults. Blood flow restricted (BFR) walking vs. Non-BFR walking was evaluated on Cardiovascular fitness (g = 0.31, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.59). Blood flow restricted walking improved cardiovascular fitness (g = 0.31; 95% CI 0.05-0.59) and functional performance (g = 0.57; 95% CI 0.21-0.92) compared to non-BFR walking.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aacf5ed0c46fbdff987dd3dhttps://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2026.2732595
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