Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise in Physiotherapy with Blood Flow Restriction in Patients with Knee Pathologies: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Blood flow restriction is proposed as an effective treatment method due to strength gain, muscle mass and pain reduction. This review aimed to evaluate and determine the effects of blood flow restriction training versus conventional training to optimize the functional recovery process in patients with knee pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, anterior cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis. Methods: This is a systematic review study. A literature search of studies published from 2015 to 2025 in English and Spanish was conducted in the Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Science Direct databases according to the Priority Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In order to determine the methodological quality and scientific evidence of the studies, the Critical Review Form and Oxford scales were applied. Results: Nine articles with a total sample of 540 subjects were selected. The methodological quality scores ranged from 7 to 12 points, and the studies had a level of evidence of 1b with a grade of recommendation of A. Conclusions: Blood flow restriction training may be an effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy treatment. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or non-profit sectors. Registration: This review was registered on the OSF.