Blood Flow Restriction Exercises for Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials | ||||
| The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine | ||||
| Article 13, Volume 99, Issue 1, April 2025, Page 1438-1444 PDF (753.44 K) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejhm.2025.421223 | ||||
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| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) combines low-intensity exercise with reduced blood flow to muscles; it has emerged as an additional intervention aiming to improve vascular function and muscle strength of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objective: This review aimed to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of BFR exercises in patients with CKD. Methods: A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane and PEDro database, lastly updated in January 2025. Search results were limited to RCTs published within the last 10 years investigating BFRE with standard exercises for patients with CKD aged ≥45 years. 3 outcomes were selected; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), muscle strength, and forearm circumference. Quality of studies was assessed by using PEDro scale, and the level of evidence was determined by the modified Sackett's scale. Results: Six studies were selected and reviewed; they included 454 patients. The studies had a mean PEDro score of 5.2 and its meta-analysis showed non-significant difference between BFRE and standard training regarding renal function, muscle strength and forearm circumference. Conclusion: Limited evidence is present to support the adding of BFR to standard training for renal function in patients with CKD and strong evidence support its non-significant effect on strength and forearm circumference. Confirmation of this evidence requires more high-quality research. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Blood flow restriction; Chronic kidney disease; Meta-analysis; Systematic review | ||||
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