The current manuscript sets out a series of guidelines for blood flow restriction exercise, focusing on the methodology, application and safety of this mode of training. With the emergence of this technique and the wide variety of applications within the literature, the aim of this review is to set out a current research informed guide to blood flow restriction training to practitioners. This covers the use of blood flow restriction to enhance muscular strength and hypertrophy via training with resistance and aerobic exercise and preventing muscle atrophy using the technique passively. The authorship team for this article was selected from the researchers focused in blood flow restriction training research with expertise in exercise science, strength and conditioning and sports medicine.

Current evidence suggests that the addition of BFR to dynamic exercise training is effective for augmenting changes in both muscle strength and size. This effect was consistent for both resistance training and aerobically-based exercise, although the effect sizes varied. The magnitude of observed changes are noteworthy, particularly considering the relatively short duration of the average intervention.

The 6MWT is of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, and may be useful in the classification of aerobic fitness, which is associated with health outcomes. Inclusion of further patient characteristics greatly increases the predictive value of the 6MWT for estimating VO2 max, which has important implications for those seeking a noninvasive and simple-to-use determinant of maximal aerobic power.

The ability of IPC to improve time-trial performance is promising, but the potential mechanisms responsible require further investigation. Future work should be directed toward identifying the individual phenotype and protocol that will best exploit IPC-mediated exercise performance improvements, facilitating its application in sport settings.

CRD42015020907.