Exercício físico com restrição de fluxo sanguíneo: aspectos metodológicos e efeitos colaterais da técnica

Abstract

The aim of this study was to systematize the scientific evidence on the effect of resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) sessions on muscle damage (MD) markers and analyze the main side effects of the BFR technique. To contemplate the foreseen objectives, two studies were performed out. In the first study, 113 professionals who had prescribed the technique answered a self-administered questionnaire, consisting of 21 questions. Professionals reported applying the technique to individuals of different age groups, but mainly to people aged 20-29 years (74.6%). Most professionals associated RFS with resistance exercise. Most professionals observed tingling (71.2%) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS; 55.8%). In the second study, two researchers independently performed searches in six electronic databases, aiming to identify clinical trials that analyzed MD markers before and after resistance training with BFR sessions. Twenty-one studies were eligible, comprising 352 healthy participants. DOMS was the most frequently used measure. The results for the occurrence of DOMS after low intensity resistance training sessions were divergent and the use of a pre-defined repetition scheme versus muscle failure seems to explain this divergence. It is concluded that the prevalence of serious side effects resulting from the BFR technique seems to be minimal and the use of sets to failure in resistance training with BFR and low intensity sessions seems to maximize changes in muscle damage markers.