Can blood‐flow restriction resistance training enhance remote strength transfer? A systematic review with meta‐analysis

Objectives This systematic review with meta‐analysis aimed to examine the effect of blood flow restriction resistance training (BFR‐RT) on strength gains in untrained limbs (remote strength transfer [RST]). Literature Survey A search for studies was performed using six databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and ScienceDirect) up to February 2024. Methodology Studies that assessed the RST phenomenon following BFR‐RT and measured muscle strength were included. Meta‐analyses of standardized mean differences (SMDs) were performed using a random‐effects model to determine the effect of BFR‐RT on RST. Synthesis Eight studies were included in this systematic review, of which six were involved in the meta‐analyses. BFR‐RT was not found to enhance RST in comparison with RT (SMD 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.02 to 0.56; p = .07). These findings did not vary when the comparison was examined in upper limbs or measured using an isometric contraction. Conclusions BFR‐RT does not enhance RST in comparison with traditional RT at the same load according to the meta‐analyses. Therefore, the usage of BFR is not recommended for RST.