Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for the Upper Extremity: An Emerging Adjunct for Patient Recovery and Rehabilitation.

Abstract

Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) produces effects on muscle strength and size like those seen with high-resistance training for patients in whom baseline deficits or postoperative restrictions prevent high-intensity rehabilitation. Although most existing literature details lower extremity application, BFRT has shown beneficial effects on muscle hypertrophy, endurance, and strength in the upper extremity with a safe side-effect profile. Developing a universal protocol for upper extremity BFRT is challenged by the current lack of research, but it shows promise in playing a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and recovery of injured and postoperative patients across many populations.