Introduction Heavy‐load strength training (HLT) is generally considered the Gold Standard exercise modality for inducing gains in skeletal muscle strength. However, use of heavy external exercise loads may be contraindicative in frail individuals. Low‐load resistance exercise combined with partial blood‐flow restriction (LL‐BFR exercise) may offer an effective alternative for increasing mechanical muscle strength and size. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of LL‐BFR training to HLT on maximal muscle strength gains. Prospero registration‐id (CRD42014013382). Materials and methods A systematic search in six healthcare science databases and reference lists was conducted. Data selected for primary analysis consisted of post‐intervention changes in maximal muscle strength. A random‐effects meta‐analysis with standardized mean differences (SMD) was used. Results Of 1413 papers identified through systematic search routines, sixteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria, totalling 153 participants completing HLT and 157 completing LL‐BFR training. The magnitude of training‐induced gains in maximal muscle strength did not differ between LL‐BFR training and HLT (SMD of −0.17 (95% CI: −0.40; 0.05)). Low between‐study heterogeneity was noted (I2 = 0.0%, Chi2 P = 9.65). Conclusion Low‐load blood‐flow‐restricted training appears equally effective of producing gains in maximal voluntary muscle strength compared to HLT in 20‐ to 80‐year‐old healthy and habitually active adults.

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of an interdisciplinary exercise-based rehabilitation intervention on fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). At the Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, a 5-day interdisciplinary exercise-based rehabilitation intervention was carried out on 48 patients with MPN. It was followed by 12 weeks of self-exercising prior to follow-up. Initially and at follow-up, participants filled out validated questionnaires; Brief Fatigue Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life questionnaire, Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Maximal oxygen uptake and muscular strength were tested as well. Paired t test was used to compare scores between baseline and follow-up. In total, 45 participants (94%) completed the follow-up. No significant differences were observed on fatigue or QOL when comparing baseline and follow-up. Mean maximal oxygen uptake increased from 27.2 to 33.6 ml O · kg ·min (p < 0.001). Handgrip strength (p = 0.01) and the 30-s chair-stand test (p < 0.001) improved as well. No changes were found regarding levels of fatigue and QOL. However, we observed a significant increase in the physical capacity. Our observations call for further studies investigating the effects of non-pharmacological approaches in patients with MPN.