Literature review: The effect of blood flow restriction training on enhancement strength quadriceps muscles in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the most common ligament injuries in adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature on the effect of BFR training on quadriceps muscle strength in ACL injuries. The method used is a literature study in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search was conducted using ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Springer. The articles included in this study had the following inclusion criteria: related to the effect of BFR training on quadriceps muscle strength in ACL injuries, experimental research, published from 2016 to 2023. The results of this study showed that of the 240 articles identified, 10 articles were meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. 6 of 10 studies showed a significant increase in quadriceps muscle strength associated with BFR training compared to controls; 2 of 10 noted increased quadriceps muscle strength, but no significant difference compared with controls; and 2 out of 10 reported no significant increase in the use of BFR training in quadriceps muscle strength. The conclusion of the study shows that although the dosage and intervention parameters of BFR training vary, low intensity BFR training is still useful for increasing quadriceps muscle strength in ACL injuries. Further research is needed to find optimal occlusive pressures and refine protocols to maximize training gains.