Blood flow restriction training may modestly improve bone density, review finds
A review of 22 reports found blood flow restriction training (BFRT) was associated with a small positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD), but no clear changes in bone turnover markers. It did not establish fracture prevention or show that BFRT could replace high-load training.
A systematic review published Nov. 5 analyzed 22 reports on blood flow restriction training (BFRT) and bone-related outcomes. It found BFRT was associated with a small positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD), but no clear effects on acute or chronic bone turnover markers.1
The review also reported a positive pooled estimate for bone-related regulatory biomarkers, but its prediction interval included no effect. The authors cautioned that this result did not show increased bone formation or establish fracture prevention or long-term clinical benefit.1
Benefits compared with conventional high-load training remained uncertain, and the authors said BFRT was not a universal replacement. For trainers with clients unable to tolerate heavy loading, the authors described BFRT as a possible alternative or add-on, not a proven substitute.1
