Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance Training

This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle strength and hypertrophy, exploring factors affecting outcomes. We searched Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Ovid Medline, ProQuest, Coch...

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Main Authors: Hualong Chang, Jie Zhang, Jing Yan, Xudong Yang, Biao Chen, Jianli Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1442
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author Hualong Chang
Jie Zhang
Jing Yan
Xudong Yang
Biao Chen
Jianli Zhang
author_facet Hualong Chang
Jie Zhang
Jing Yan
Xudong Yang
Biao Chen
Jianli Zhang
author_sort Hualong Chang
collection DOAJ
description This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle strength and hypertrophy, exploring factors affecting outcomes. We searched Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Ovid Medline, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus from inception to July 2024. After assessing the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool, a meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the overall effect size. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the impact of different modulating factors on training effects. LL-BFR was found to be inferior to HL-RT with regard to muscle strength gains (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI: −0.49 to −0.18, <i>p</i> < 0.0001). However, subgroup analyses revealed that LL-BFR achieved muscle strength gains comparable to HL-RT under individualized pressure (SMD = −0.07, <i>p</i> = 0.56), intermittent cuff inflation (SMD = −0.07, <i>p</i> = 0.65), and a higher number of training sessions (SMD = −0.12, <i>p</i> = 0.30). No significant difference in muscle mass gains was observed between LL-BFR and HL-RT (SMD = 0.01, <i>p</i> = 0.94), and this conclusion remained consistent after controlling for modulating variables. HL-RT is superior to LL-BFR in enhancing muscle strength gains. Nevertheless, under appropriate conditions, including individualized pressure prescription, intermittent cuff inflation, and a higher number of training sessions, LL-BFR can achieve muscle strength gains comparable to HL-RT, emphasizing the importance of tailored training programs. Both methods exhibit similar effects on muscle mass gains, indicating that LL-BFR serves as an effective alternative for individuals who cannot perform HL-RT because of physical limitations or injury concerns.
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spelling doaj-art-4ee1d81f3d204f57b2bc0d2a7cf27b972024-11-26T18:10:26ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292024-11-011411144210.3390/life14111442Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance TrainingHualong Chang0Jie Zhang1Jing Yan2Xudong Yang3Biao Chen4Jianli Zhang5College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, ChinaCollege of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, ChinaCollege of Education, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, ChinaDepartment of Sports Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of KoreaRenji College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, ChinaExercise and Metabolism Research Center, College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, ChinaThis meta-analysis examined the efficacy of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle strength and hypertrophy, exploring factors affecting outcomes. We searched Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Ovid Medline, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus from inception to July 2024. After assessing the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool, a meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the overall effect size. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the impact of different modulating factors on training effects. LL-BFR was found to be inferior to HL-RT with regard to muscle strength gains (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI: −0.49 to −0.18, <i>p</i> < 0.0001). However, subgroup analyses revealed that LL-BFR achieved muscle strength gains comparable to HL-RT under individualized pressure (SMD = −0.07, <i>p</i> = 0.56), intermittent cuff inflation (SMD = −0.07, <i>p</i> = 0.65), and a higher number of training sessions (SMD = −0.12, <i>p</i> = 0.30). No significant difference in muscle mass gains was observed between LL-BFR and HL-RT (SMD = 0.01, <i>p</i> = 0.94), and this conclusion remained consistent after controlling for modulating variables. HL-RT is superior to LL-BFR in enhancing muscle strength gains. Nevertheless, under appropriate conditions, including individualized pressure prescription, intermittent cuff inflation, and a higher number of training sessions, LL-BFR can achieve muscle strength gains comparable to HL-RT, emphasizing the importance of tailored training programs. Both methods exhibit similar effects on muscle mass gains, indicating that LL-BFR serves as an effective alternative for individuals who cannot perform HL-RT because of physical limitations or injury concerns.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1442KAATSU traininglow-load resistancehigh-load resistancemuscle strengthmale
spellingShingle Hualong Chang
Jie Zhang
Jing Yan
Xudong Yang
Biao Chen
Jianli Zhang
Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance Training
Life
KAATSU training
low-load resistance
high-load resistance
muscle strength
male
title Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance Training
title_full Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance Training
title_fullStr Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance Training
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance Training
title_short Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on a Comparison with High-Load Resistance Training
title_sort effects of blood flow restriction training on muscle strength and hypertrophy in untrained males a systematic review and meta analysis based on a comparison with high load resistance training
topic KAATSU training
low-load resistance
high-load resistance
muscle strength
male
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1442
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