Acute Inflammatory Responses to Blood Flow Restriction Training: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Immunology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training effects are known, but its impact on acute inflammation is unclear.
• This systematic review investigates BFR training's acute inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if BFR training induces acute inflammation.
• To analyze changes in inflammatory parameters post-BFR training.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching multiple databases up to July 2025.
• Included studies reported acute inflammatory markers within 72 hours post-BFR training in healthy adults.
• Analyzed peripheral blood and muscle biopsy data, assessing risk of bias and calculating standardized mean differences.

Main Results:

• Nine studies with 189 healthy adults showed transient increases in leukocytes (18-33%) and lymphocytes (37-43%).
• Significant increases in total tissue macrophages (200%) were reported.
• Neutrophil, cytokine, and lymphocyte subset responses varied, possibly due to training and methodological differences.

Conclusions:

• BFR training induces acute inflammation (leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, increased macrophages).
• Variability in neutrophil and cytokine responses suggests influence of training parameters and methods.
• BFR-induced inflammation appears comparable to high-load resistance training; further research on mechanisms is needed.