Comparison between training protocols with blood flow restriction in clinical musculoskeletal rehabilitation: protocol of a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The training with blood flow restriction (RFS) is increasingly used in the clinical rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, but there is still much uncertainty about which parameters is ideal to use regarding the restriction pressure, combination with other therapies and which groups of patients can benefit most from the technique. Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of different methodologies for the use of RFS in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A systematic review will be performed through independent searches by two reviewers of studies indexed to Medline, SPORTDiscus, Central, Lilacs, CINAHL, Embase, J-STAGE and PEDro; in addition to sources of gray literature and in the bibliographic references of the studies included in the review. The study protocol was registered on the Prospero Platform (CRD422021233488). Randomized parallel-group clinical trials that tested the efficacy or safety of RFS training in individuals aged 18 years or older for at least three weeks will be considered. Details will be extracted on the application of RFS and outcomes of pain, muscle strength and adverse events, considered as primary outcomes; in addition to functional capacity, discomfort, overall physical capacity and quality of life, composing the secondary outcomes. The risk of bias of the studies will be assessed using the PEDro scale and any disagreement during the process of selection, extraction and evaluation of the risk of bias will be decided by a third reviewer. Expected results: Expose the information available in the literature and provide clear guidance to clinicians and researchers on the prescriptions and recommendations of this technique.