Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise has been studied in 4 papers since 2022: 2 trials in people, 2 reviews; 2 in the past year. The newest paper, Jul 10, 2026: “The effects of resistance exercise with blood flow restriction on muscle performance, muscle mass, and function in older adults: a systematic review”.
4 papers study it8 findingsUpdated
See all 4 papers on blood flow restriction-resistance exercise
At a glance
The findings reach people, from one lab or study. 3 independent labs in 5 countries.
“GH levels of the BFR group were also significantly higher than the CON group (P < 0.05) at 15 min post-exercise.”
None of its findings points the other way.
- 3 independent labs in 5 countries
- Funders: Education Department of Henan Province and 2 more
- Human trial2
Studies in people
1 study gave blood flow restriction-resistance exercise to people and measured what changed.
| What changed | Design | People | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
up: Increases IGF-1 up: Increases testosterone | Randomized trial | 18 peopleWomenPostmenopausal women; at 15 min post-exercise versus low load resistance exercise without BFR | Heliyon, Oct 14, 2022 |
What did studies of blood flow restriction-resistance exercise find?
8Studies of blood flow restriction-resistance exercise measured 8 outcomes, among them muscle mass, muscle strength and Mitochondrial content.
Muscle mass
upin humans1
1 study
Muscle mass
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise increases muscle mass in humans (healthy older adults) (3.23-4.2 cm2).
“quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area increased by 3.23-4.2 cm2”
Reviewhealthy older adultsquadriceps femoris
European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity
Muscle strength
upin humans1
1 study
Muscle strength
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise improves muscle strength in humans (healthy older adults) (15.6-54%).
“One-repetition maximum increased by 15.6-54%”
Reviewhealthy older adults
European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity
Mitochondrial content
upin humans1
1 study
Mitochondrial content
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise increases mitochondrial content in humans after 24 h of recovery (171% after 24 h).
“BFR-exercise increased the mitochondrial content in exercised muscle by 171% after 24 h of recovery.”
Human trialafter 24 h of recoveryskeletal muscle24 h recoverymalesn = 11
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Blood lactate
upin humans1
1 study
Blood lactate
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise increases blood lactate in humans (post-exercise versus low load resistance exercise without BFR).
“Post-exercise BLA levels were lower in the CON group in comparison to the BFR and RES groups (P < 0.05).”
Human trialpost-exercise versus low load resistance exercise without BFR30% 1-RM at 70% AOPfemales
Heliyon
Testosterone
upin humans1
1 study
Testosterone
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise increases testosterone in humans.
“and the highest in the BFR group (P < 0.05)”
Human trialpost-exercise and at 15 min, compared with high load and low load resistance exercise without BFR30% 1-RM at 70% AOPfemales
Heliyon
IGF-1
upin humans1
1 study
IGF-1
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise increases IGF-1 in humans (post-exercise and at 15 min versus low load resistance exercise without BFR).
“the CON group recorded significantly lower IGF-1 levels compared to the BFR and RES groups (P < 0.05).”
Human trialpost-exercise and at 15 min versus low load resistance exercise without BFR30% 1-RM at 70% AOPfemales
Heliyon
Growth hormone
upin humans1
1 study
Growth hormone
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise increases growth hormone in humans (at 15 min post-exercise versus low load resistance exercise without BFR).
“GH levels of the BFR group were also significantly higher than the CON group (P < 0.05) at 15 min post-exercise.”
Human trialat 15 min post-exercise versus low load resistance exercise without BFR30% 1-RM at 70% AOPfemales
Heliyon
Skeletal muscle health
upin humans1
1 study
Skeletal muscle health
upin humans1
Blood flow restriction-resistance exercise improves skeletal muscle health in humans.
“combining low intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) can result in similar acute and chronic benefits to skeletal muscles in older adults.”
Review
European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity