Blood flow restriction training in neurological rehabilitation: a comprehensive review

Background and purpose Blood flow Restriction training is a new technique that promotes muscular strength and hypertrophy using low loads. It was applied in various rehabilitation fields. It is suitable for people who cannot tolerate high load training. This paper aims to evaluate the current literature on the therapeutic uses of blood flow restriction in neurological rehabilitation, its mechanism and safety concerns. Material and methods A literature review was conducted using 16 peer-reviewed sources, including clinical trials, mechanistic studies, systematic reviews, a case report and clinician surveys. Nine studies examined muscular strength; three studies looked at gait in people with multiple sclerosis, and one study for cardiovascular function. Five studies on the mechanism, safety, and uses of blood flow restriction training. Key outcomes, training parameters, and safety reports were extracted. Results Blood flow restriction training enables significant muscle strength, hypertrophy gains. Gait parameters for people with multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular function in Parkinson’s disease improved. It affects mechanistically by the metabolic stress and cortically it elevates corticomotor excitability that may induce neuroplastic changes. No serious adverse events have been reported in neurological blood flow restriction studies. Conclusions Blood flow Restriction training is a safe and effective for people with neurological issues. It is well-tolerated and enhances muscle size and strength. It facilitates muscular and neural adaptations through its effects on neuromuscular recruitment and corticomotor excitability. It has great promise for improving function.