Can blood-flow restriction resistance training enhance remote strength transfer? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Abstract

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of blood flow restriction resistance training (BFR-RT) on strength gains in untrained limbs (remote strength transfer [RST]). A search for studies was performed using six databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and ScienceDirect) up to February 2024. Studies that assessed the RST phenomenon following BFR-RT and measured muscle strength were included. Meta-analyses of standardized mean differences (SMDs) were performed using a random-effects model to determine the effect of BFR-RT on RST. Eight studies were included in this systematic review, of which six were involved in the meta-analyses. BFR-RT was not found to enhance RST in comparison with RT (SMD 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.02 to 0.56; p = .07). These findings did not vary when the comparison was examined in upper limbs or measured using an isometric contraction. BFR-RT does not enhance RST in comparison with traditional RT at the same load according to the meta-analyses. Therefore, the usage of BFR is not recommended for RST.