Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of the blood flow restriction training in improving muscle strength and physical performance in older adults.

Data sources: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Sciences, PEDro, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases were systematically searched.

Study selection: Articles were included if participants were 60 years or older and were considered healthy.

Data extraction: The search strategy found a total of 363 studies. Finally, 10 articles were included in the systematic review, with a total of 278 healthy older adults analyzed.

Data synthesis: The main results of the meta-analysis showed a statistical difference of muscle strength in favor of blood flow restriction training when compared with conventional training and no statistical differences when compared with high-intensity resistance training. Physical performance showed a nonstatistical difference between the blood flow restriction training, conventional training, and no training groups.

Conclusions: Blood flow restriction training is an interesting alternative to high-intensity strength training for improving muscle strength in older individuals who cannot perform high-load exercises.

Keywords: Muscle strength; Physical functional performance; Rehabilitation; Resistance training.