Effects of Restricted Blood Flow Interval Training on Lower Extremity Muscles and Motor Function in Stroke Patients

TL;DR

This study shows that blood flow restriction training helps stroke patients improve muscle strength and mobility safely.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the clinical benefits of blood flow restriction training for stroke rehabilitation.

Findings

The experimental group showed significant increases in muscle size and thickness compared to the control group.

Functional mobility and walking parameters improved more in the BFR group.

BFR training was found to be safe and effective for stroke patients without requiring high-intensity exercise.

Abstract

To examine how limitations in blood circulation impact the training of stroke individuals.

Between March 2022 and March 2023, a total of 34 individuals receiving treatment at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, specifically within the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, were chosen as participants. They were then assigned to experimental groups using a random number approach, with 17 individuals in each group, while also including a control group. The test group received BFR combined with cycle ergometers, while the control group performed a cycle ergometers regularly. Ultrasonography was employed to assess the size and thickness (RFT) of the rectus femoris (RFSTA) in patients both prior to and following training, as well as to evaluate the angle of the gastrocnemius pinna. Additionally, each patient completed a 30‐s sit‐to‐stand test, received results from a stretch test, and underwent the Fugl‐Meyer assessment for the lower extremities.

The muscles of RFT, RFTSA, and gastrocnemius pinna angle did not change significantly before and after in the control group. However, these values increased markedly in the experimental group. In addition, the FMA value recorded in the test group notably surpassed that of the control group. After all, walking speed, frequency, length and overall mobility will increase after training, but you will find it more important.

BFR can promote rehabilitation functional, relieve stress, ensure safety, improve training effects and have high value clinical uses.

BFR can promote the functional Rehabilitation of stroke patients and strengthen their motor ability without high ‐intensity and ensure safety, which has high clinical application value.

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