A 12-week blood flow restriction walking program applied to the weaker limb increased knee extensor strength by 17.5% compared to 6.3% in the control limb, reducing inter-limb strength asymmetries.
Does a 12-week graded walking program with blood flow restriction applied to the weaker lower limb reduce inter-limb strength asymmetries in healthy adults?
A 12-week walking program with unilateral blood flow restriction applied to the weaker limb significantly improved knee extensor strength and reduced inter-limb strength asymmetries in healthy adults.
Absolute Event Rate: 17.5% vs 6.3%
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract Background Inter-limb strength asymmetries are common and can impact functional performance. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has shown potential to improve strength in the lower limbs, but its effects on reducing asymmetries remain unclear. Aim This study investigated whether a 12-week graded walking program with BFR applied to the weaker lower limb would reduce inter-limb strength asymmetries. Methods A 12-week within-subject, non-randomized intervention study was conducted in healthy asymptomatic adults. Thirty-two participants (20 males, 12 females; 31.1 ± 9.5 years) with inter-limb strength asymmetries ≥ 10% were included. BFR was applied unilaterally to the weaker limb (WL) using a cuff positioned at the gluteal fold and inflated to 90% of each participant’s arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) while the contralateral limb served as the control (CL). Training was performed three times per week (one supervised, two home-based sessions). Isometric knee extensor and flexor strength (assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer) and muscle thickness (assessed by ultrasound) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results Both limbs showed significant improvements in knee extensor strength ( p 0.05). Conclusions A 12-week BFR walking program applied to the weaker limb improved knee extensor strength, particularly in the occluded limb, and reduced inter-limb strength asymmetries. Trial Registration Number Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-5gqgs99), registered November 7th, 2024.
Cutisque et al. (2026) studied Inter-limb strength asymmetry (n=32). Unilateral blood flow restriction (BFR) walking program vs. Contralateral stronger limb (control limb) was evaluated on Knee extensor strength (peak isometric torque) (p=<0.001). A 12-week blood flow restriction walking program applied to the weaker limb increased knee extensor strength by 17.5% compared to 6.3% in the control limb, reducing inter-limb strength asymmetries.