Effects of blood flow restriction training on chronic ankle instability: systematic review and meta-analysis (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

• BFR training plus standard rehab significantly improves balance, strength, and function in CAI.
• Low-load BFR (20-30% 1RM) effective without high mechanical stress.
• Safe adjunct, no serious adverse events in included trials.
• Optimal protocols (pressure, duration) remain unclear.

"This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Pooled results from randomized controlled trials indicate that BFR training combined with standard rehabilitation significantly improves ankle function, strength, and balance compared to standard rehabilitation alone. BFR training also reduced pain and improved patient-reported outcomes. The review suggests that BFR is a safe and effective adjunct to conventional physiotherapy for CAI, with low-intensity exercise producing comparable gains to high-load training. Clinicians should consider BFR for patients who cannot tolerate high-load exercises. However, long-term effects and optimal protocols require further research."