Low Load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction As A Countermeasure To Disuse Atrophy (2025)

Blood Flow Restriction Training in Osteoarthritis

BJSTR, 2022

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a technique used to restrict blood flow to a muscle group whilst undergoing a strengthening programme. This can be with the aim of improving strength and function or reducing muscle atrophy as part of a rehabilitation programme. However due to its limited use there is scant amount of studies evaluating its effects. We conducted a literature review within the PubMed database of all randomised controlled trials involving BFRT from the database's inception to October 2021. There was evidence of BFRT resulting in improvements in one repetition maximum, timed stand tests and quadriceps cross-sectional area3, however there was minimal difference between BFRT and other training regimes used: high-intensity resistance training and low-intensity resistance training (LI-RT). BFRT also resulted in significant reductions in WOMAC pain scores, similar to LI-RT. We also set out to assess the value of BFRT in the context of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, in which high-volume training is not possible. One trial in this area4 did not demonstrate a significant difference between the two but did show that BFRT is a viable alternative to moderate-intensity resistance training (MIRT). Objectives: Find out if blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is effective at improving muscle strength and function and reducing atrophy for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Benefits of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction in Knee Osteoarthritis

Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 2017

Evaluate the effects of a low-intensity resistance training program associated with partial blood flow restriction on selected clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-eight women with knee OA were randomized into one of the three groups: low-intensity resistance training (30% one repetition maximum 1-RM) associated (BFRT) or not (LI-RT) with partial blood flow restriction, and high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT: 80% 1-RM). Patients underwent a 12-week supervised training program and were assessed for lower-limb 1-RM, quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), functionality (timed-stands test - TST and timed-up-and-go test - TUG), and disease-specific inventory (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index - WOMAC) before (PRE) and after the protocol (POST). Similar within-group increases were observed in leg-press (26% and 33%, all p<0.0001), knee-extension 1-RM (23% and 22%; all p<0.0001) and CSA (7% and 8%; all p<0.0001) in ...

Effects of high‐intensity resistance training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Arthritis Care & …, 2009

Efficacy of Blood Flow-Restricted, Low-Load Resistance Training in Women with Risk Factors for Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 2014

To assess whether concurrent blood flow restriction (BFR) during low-load resistance training is an efficacious and tolerable means of improving quadriceps strength and volume in women with risk factors for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. Exercise training clinical research laboratory. Women over age 45 years with risk factors for symptomatic knee OA. Participants were randomized to either low-load resistance training (30% 1RM) alone (control) or with concurrent BFR and completed 4 weeks of 3 times per week leg-press resistance training. Those randomized to BFR wore a cuff that progressively restricted femoral blood flow over the weeks of training. Intergroup differences in outcome measures were compared using regression methods, while adjusting for BMI. Isotonic bilateral leg press strength, isokinetic knee extensor strength, and quadriceps volume by magnetic resonance imaging were assessed before and after participation. Secondar...

Blood-Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise for Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019

In a pilot randomized clinical trial, participants aged ≥60 years (n = 35) with physical limitations and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomized to 12 weeks of lower-body low-load resistance training with blood-flow restriction (BFR) or moderate-intensity resistance training (MIRT) to evaluate changes in muscle strength, pain, and physical function. Four exercises were performed three times per week to volitional fatigue using 20% and 60% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Study outcomes included knee extensor strength, gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) performance, and pain via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC). Per established guidance for pilot studies, primary analyses for the trial focused on safety, feasibility, and effect sizes/95% confidence intervals of dependent outcomes to inform a fully-powered trial. Across three speeds of movement, the pre- to post-training change in maximal isokinetic peak torque was 9.96 (5....

Evidence for the benefit of aerobic and strengthening exercise in rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2003

Are the benefits of a high‐intensity progressive resistance training program sustained in rheumatoid arthritis patients? A 3‐year followup study

Effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) with resistance exercise on musculoskeletal health in older adults: a narrative review

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity

Background Aging leads to a number of structural and physiological deficits such as loss of muscle mass and strength. Strength training at ~ 70% of 1 repetition max (RM) is recommended to prevent age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. However, most older adults may not be able to perform 70% of 1RM or higher intensity. An alternative exercise training program combining low intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) can result in similar acute and chronic benefits to skeletal muscles in older adults. Main body and short conclusion The potential mechanisms involved are discussed, and include reactive hyperaemia, metabolic stress, and hypoxia. Key issues and safety with the use of BFR in older adults, especially those with chronic conditions are also discussed. Although there has been no reported evidence to suggest that BFR elevates the risk of clinical complications any more than high intensity exercise, it is recommended for individuals to be medically cl...

A systematic review of the effects of dynamic exercise in rheumatoid arthritis

Exercise therapy for people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 2004