Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Strength, Muscle Mass and Physical Function in Older Individuals - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aims: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to verify the effects of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) on the strength, muscle mass and physical function of older individuals and compare to the exercises program with low and high load. Methods: The search was performed in the databases: Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo, LILACS, and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro Scale. Results: Eight studies were eligible. The strength improvement were from 2.9 to 35.6% (SMD: 0.68; CI: 0.05, 1.32; p < .05), the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) increased from 3.1 to 8% (SMD 0.47; CI 0.11, 0.82; p < .01), and physical function from 12 to 28% (SMD: −0.15; CI −1.01, 0.70; p > .05). Conclusion: BFR training was effective for increasing strength, muscle mass and physical function in the older adults, presenting the advantage of less mechanical stress, and should be considered as an alternative when traditional training is contraindicated.