Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Lower-Limb Strength in Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis of five studies found that blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy may improve lower-limb strength in people with MS, particularly for hamstrings over quadriceps, and may reduce fatigue compared to exercise alone. However, the evidence on quadriceps strength was less certain after sensitivity analysis.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Moderate
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
This analysis suggests that BFR therapy could be a beneficial rehabilitation strategy for lower-limb strength in MS, addressing challenges associated with traditional exercises. It adds to the understanding of alternative training methods for this population.
What this does not prove
The study did not establish definitive benefits for sit-to-stand or gait outcomes, nor did it compare BFR therapy efficacy against high-load training. Optimal BFR parameters remain unclear, impacting application in clinical settings.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Meta-analysis
- Participants / samples
- 5 · Five studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Randomised
- Not applicable
- Controlled
- Not applicable
- Primary endpoint met
- Not applicable
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-12
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Not reported
- Size of effect
- SMD=-0.55 for quadriceps strength; SMD=-0.38 for hamstring strength; SMD=-0.35 for fatigue
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceEffects of blood flow restriction therapy on lower-limb strength in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107985
Supporting passages (17)
subjectsClinical and quasi-experimental studies involving people with MS that evaluated lower-limb BFR interventions were included, with lower-limb muscle strength as the primary outcome.
sample sizeFive studies met the inclusion criteria.
sample size basisFive studies met the inclusion criteria.
peer reviewedJournal Article; Review
publication date2026-10-12
interventionBlood flow restriction (BFR) therapy has emerged as a promising low-load rehabilitation strategy, although evidence in people with MS (pwMS) remains limited and heterogeneous.
comparatorCONCLUSIONS: BFR therapy may improve lower-limb strength (more consistently for hamstrings than quadriceps) and may reduce fatigue in people with MS compared with exercise alone, but the certainty of the evidence is low.
primary endpointClinical and quasi-experimental studies involving people with MS that evaluated lower-limb BFR interventions were included, with lower-limb muscle strength as the primary outcome.
findingsCONCLUSIONS: BFR therapy may improve lower-limb strength (more consistently for hamstrings than quadriceps) and may reduce fatigue in people with MS compared with exercise alone, but the certainty of the evidence is low.
limitationsThe evidence does not allow conclusions on equivalence to high-load training or on optimal occlusion pressure or intervention duration.
effect sizeCompared with exercise alone, exercise combined with BFR significantly improved quadriceps (SMD=-0.55) and hamstring strength (SMD=-0.38), and possibly reduced fatigue (SMD=-0.35), with low heterogeneity across analyses.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article; Review
study designTitle: Effects of blood flow restriction therapy on lower-limb strength in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
study phaseTitle: Effects of blood flow restriction therapy on lower-limb strength in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
randomizedTitle: Effects of blood flow restriction therapy on lower-limb strength in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
controlledTitle: Effects of blood flow restriction therapy on lower-limb strength in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
primary endpoint metTitle: Effects of blood flow restriction therapy on lower-limb strength in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.