Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Technique on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The effect of the blood flow restriction technique (BFR) on delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) symptoms remains unclear. Since there is no consensus in the literature, the aim of the present study is to systematically identify and appraise the available evidence on the effects of the BFR technique on DOMS, in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Computerized literature search in the databases Pubmed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane and PEDro to identify randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of blood flow restriction on delayed onset muscular soreness symptoms. Results: Eight trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review, presenting the results of 118 participants, with a mean methodological rating of 6/10 on the PEDro scale. Conclusions: So far, there is not enough evidence to confirm or refute the influence of BFR on DOMS, and more studies with a good methodological basis are needed, in larger samples, to establish protocols and parameters of exercise and intervention. Data analysis suggests a tendency toward the proinflammatory effect of BFR during high restrictive pressures combined with eccentric exercises, while postconditioning BFR seems to have a protective effect on DOMS. Prospero ID record: 345457, title registration: “Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Technique on the Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review”.

Tissue Flossing: A Commentary on Clinical Practice Recommendations

“…2 Despite the lack of universal agreement on optimal treatment parameters, the existing literature provides evidence that tissue flossing may improve joint ROM, muscle strength, athletic performance, and balance in specific situations, while also being a potential intervention to reduce musculoskeletal pain (Table 1). [3][4][5][6]13 It is important to note that selected studies were used to support the specific indications discussed and this commentary is not meant to serve as a comprehensive literature review or systematic analysis of the current body of research evidence. Sports medicine professionals are encouraged to review published systematic and scoping reviews that further appraise the tissue flossing research evidence.…”

“…Researchers have postulated different physiological mechanisms for the post intervention changes observed with tissue flossing. [3][4][5][6] For joint ROM & tissue stiffness, researchers have hypothesized that tissue flossing may increase muscle stretch tolerance, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve myofascial thixotropy. [3][4][5][6] For muscle and athletic performance, researchers have postulated that a tissue flossing intervention may enhance hormonal responses, reflex facilitation, and overall neuromuscular function.…”

“…[3][4][5][6] For joint ROM & tissue stiffness, researchers have hypothesized that tissue flossing may increase muscle stretch tolerance, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve myofascial thixotropy. [3][4][5][6] For muscle and athletic performance, researchers have postulated that a tissue flossing intervention may enhance hormonal responses, reflex facilitation, and overall neuromuscular function. 3 Researchers have also postulated that these effects may occur from the potential vascular occlusion from the tissue band stretch pressure or from a physiological response once the band is released.…”

“…To date, these theories have not been fully validated and remain under study. [3][4][5][6]14,16,20 The sports medicine professional should consider the lack of understanding of mechanism(s) by which effect occur and the need for further investigations on the physiological effects of tissue flossing for different patient populations and medical conditions. This may be most applicable to sports medicine professionals who use tissue flossing to achieve a specific post intervention physiological change with their patients.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Tissue flossing has been used by sports medicine professionals to attempt to increase myofascial mobility, improve joint range of motion (ROM), enhance athletic performance, and reduce pain. [3][4][5][6] This intervention has also been explored as a method for performing blood flow restriction training. 7,8 Several companies manufacture tissue flossing bands, such as The Ready State™, RockTape®, and Rogue Fitness®, with most bands being constructed of latex rubber (1.5 mm thick) and available in 2 inch (5.08 cm) and 4 inch (10.16 cm) widths and an average length of 7 feet long (213.36cm).…”