Title: Cost-Effective Implementation and Training Strategies for Blood-Flow Restriction Training in Rehabilitation Services: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chasity Nadine Porter and Dr. Bruce Lazar, MBA, DM
Volume: 8
Issue: 8
Pages: 19-23
Publication Date: 2024/08/28
Abstract:
Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) is a rising methodology for the treatment of sports injuries. The process can reduce additional and unnecessary stress on patients while maintaining, if not improving, recovery timelines. The systematic literature review aims to identify the most cost-effective strategies for incorporating BFRT into traditional physical therapy for patients with sports injuries, to reduce rehabilitation time. A search transpired using the PubMed/NIH, Science Direct, and EBSCO host academic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Data from seven relevant articles were meticulously analyzed using screening criteria around the research question. Two themes emerged during the data analysis process. The themes included the implementation of BFRT in rehabilitation services and sports injuries that benefit from the use of BFRT. The finding indicated that there are no set guidelines for the most cost-effective implementation strategies of BFRT in an established rehabilitation program. The results did define that those who benefit the most from BFRT are those injuries that require resistance training for best outcomes, but the injury prevents the patient from using higher weight or resistance for the rehabilitative services. BFRT is also very promising for those with soft tissue damage in that the level of resistance is significantly lower than traditional weight training with similar outcomes. The findings indicate that more research is needed to determine what the most cost-effective implementation and training strategies are for clinics to have the best outcomes for patients.