Effects of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Muscle Strength and Biomarkers in Older People: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Background. Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a technique that utilizes inflatable cuffs to partially restrict arterial inflow and modulate venous flow in the active musculature through gradual mechanical compression.Objective. This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of resistance training (RT) with BFR on muscle strength and biomarkers in older individuals.Methods. This systematic review followed the PRISMA criteria. We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated muscle strength and biomarkers in older individuals submitted to physical exercise, specifically RT with BFR. Results. The initial database search yielded 423 publications based on our research methodology. After applying the selection criteria, 9 RCTs were included. The mean age of participants in the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) was 69 years. The total sample size consisted of 339 participants (259 in the EG and 80 in the CG). The publication years of the included studies ranged from 2013 to 2022. The mean intervention duration across the studies was 11 weeks, with 3 sessions per week.Conclusions. Based on the RCTs included in this systematic review, RT with BFR has shown effectiveness in improving muscle strength, increasing muscle cross-sectional area, and enhancing biomarkers associated with protein synthesis.Study registration. PROSPERO (CRD42023411569).