SUMMARY
Introduction. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been shown to be an effective strategy for improving morphology and increasing muscle strength in humans. However, there are still doubts about the mechanisms that lead BFR to promote these benefits in the musculoskeletal system.
Objective. To analyze the effects of strength training with and without blood flow restriction on pain reduction in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods. This study is characterized as a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PRISMA and PICOS criteria were followed. The databases used were MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, PEDro. Bias risk assessment used the Rob 2.0 tool (Cochrane), methodological quality was assessed using the Testex tool, and the level of evidence quality was assessed using the Grade tool.
Results. 238 publications were found. After applying the selection criteria, a total of 6 RCTs were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis result showed a mean of -0.08 (95%CI -0.35 to 0.20) and a P-value of 0.59. There was no significant heterogeneity in the true results (Q(5) = 3.03, p = 0.70, I2 = 0%).
Conclusions. Of the 6 RCTs included in this meta-analysis, 4 showed a reduction in pain (p < 0.05) with the use of BFR training method in people with knee osteoarthritis, but the meta-analysis results did not confirm this significant difference.
KEY WORDS
Knee; osteoarthritis; blood flow restriction; strength training.