The effects of blood flow restriction combined with endurance training on athletes' aerobic capacity, lower limb muscle strength, anaerobic power and sports performance: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with endurance training on aerobic capacity, lower limb muscle strength, anaerobic power, and sports performance to supply effective scientific guidance for training. Two reviewers independently screened the literatu...

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Main Authors: Kuan Dong, Jing Tang, Chengli Xu, Wenliang Gui, Jing Tian, Buongo Chun, Dong Li, Liqing Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01072-y
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Summary:Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with endurance training on aerobic capacity, lower limb muscle strength, anaerobic power, and sports performance to supply effective scientific guidance for training. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. We searched PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases up to 28 October 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. We calculated the effect size using standardized mean difference values and the random effects model. The results showed a medium effect size on maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), a large effect size on lower limb muscle strength, a small effect size on anaerobic power and sports performance. In conclusion, while BFR training during endurance training had a significant positive effect on lower limb muscle strength and moderate improvement in V̇O2max, its impact on anaerobic power and sports performance was relatively small. These findings suggest that BFR training may be effective for enhancing muscle strength and aerobic capacity, but its benefits on anaerobic power and sport-specific performance may be limited. Therefore, it is important to carefully design BFR training programs to target specific outcomes.
ISSN:2052-1847