Effect of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.
Baris B Koc, Alexander Truyens, Marion J L F Heymans and 2 others
PMID 35391871WHAT IT FOUND
After ACL reconstruction, low-load blood flow restriction training showed mixed results.
Some studies found it improved quadriceps strength, mass, and reduced pain compared to standard training. However, other studies found no difference, and no significant effect was seen on graft laxity.
Key findings
01Quadriceps strength results were mixed. Ohta et al. found significantly less strength deficits with LL-BFR, while Hughes et al. found some significant improvements but no difference in one-rep max.
02Quadriceps mass results were inconsistent. Two studies showed significant benefits for LL-BFR, while two others found no significant difference compared to non-BFR training.
03No significant difference was observed in ACL graft laxity between LL-BFR and non-BFR training.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The included studies used very different training protocols and outcome measures, making it impossible to combine the results statistically. Blinding of participants and therapists was not possible or unclear in the studies, which could influence subjective outcomes like pain. The studies varied in what they compared LL-BFR to. Some compared it to high-load training, while others compared it to low-load training without restriction. The follow-up periods were short, and no long-term effects of LL-BFR were reported.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume LL-BFR is superior to standard rehabilitation for all outcomes. The evidence for strength and mass is inconsistent, with some studies showing no benefit over non-BFR training.