Effect of resistance training whit blood flow restriction on muscle strength and functional capacity of clinical populations: a systematic review

Abstract

The aim of the study was to systematically review the effect of resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle strength and functional capacity of clinical populations. This research used SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and MEDLINE/PubMed databases from the first records until November 2021 and in English. The terms (“blood flow restriction” or “vascular occlusion” or “kaatsu training” and “low intensity”) and (“strength training” or “resistance training” or “strength”) and (“clinical populations” or “elderly“ or “old” or “hypertension” or “diabetes” or “myositis” or “obesity” and “chronic diseases”) and (“functional capacity” or “functionality” or “muscle function”) were used. Clinical trials (randomised and non-randomised) were included when compared to high-intensity resistance training, low-intensity resistance training, low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction and a control group without physical exercise. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Testex scale. During the research, 122 articles were pre-selected and analysed, and at the end of the selection, nine articles met all the inclusion criteria and established specifications. We conclude that resistance training associated with blood flow restriction has been an effective and tolerable alternative in improving muscle strength and functional capacity and, therefore, a potential tool for the clinical population.