This review aims to assess the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on WS in people with MS. When people with MS have significant weakness, their options for strengthening muscles and building endurance may be limited. Weakness and motor fatigue can affect WS.
A systematic search was conducted across 11 databases through July 15, 2024. All study types assessing walking as an outcome and using BFR training as a treatment in patients with any type of MS were included.
Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Walking outcome measures improved in all 5 studies, but not all improvements met the minimal detectable change or minimally clinically important difference values. The quality of evidence in the included studies ranged from low to high.
Walking speed improved when an exercise program was combined with BFR training in people with MS. This conclusion should be considered cautiously due to the small number of studies and the lower quality of studies.
A systematic review was necessary to evaluate exercise programs with BFR training to measure the effects on WS in people with MS. This review demonstrated improved WS in people with MS after participating in an exercise program combined with BFR. More randomized controlled trials are needed with consistent training protocols, functional outcome measures, and homogenous participants. More research is needed to provide information about the efficacy of BFR training in people with MS as an effective treatment option to include in a plan of care for people with MS.
Multiple Sclerosis
Walking Speed
