Benefits of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction in Knee Osteoarthritis

Ferraz RB, et al. · Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise

BFR matched heavy training: 26-33% leg-press strength gains and 7-8% quadriceps hypertrophy in both (p<0.0001), beating plain low-load; WOMAC pain improved 39-45%. Notably, 4 participants dropped from the heavy-load arm due to exercise-induced knee pain, versus none from BFR.

Population

48 women with knee OA

Intervention

12 weeks low-load (30% 1RM) resistance training with BFR

Comparator

Low-intensity without BFR, and high-intensity (80% 1RM) training

Limitations

Women only, single center, 12 weeks, no structural outcomes; assessor blinding limited.