Objective

This research systematically assesses the effects of low-load blood flow restriction on the cross-education of muscle strength and volume, providing evidence-based guidance for clinicians and rehabilitation therapists.

Method

The literature search utilized databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration's RCT bias evaluation tool. Data synthesis, forest plot creation, and publication bias assessment were performed with Reman 5.4 software. This study is registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY), 202440038.

Result

Six meta-analyses, encompassing 259 undergraduate students, were performed. Results indicated a markedly enhanced cross-education effect in muscle strength induction via blood flow restriction, surpassing that of traditional unilateral training and control groups. Nonetheless, the cross-education impact on muscle volume induction showed no notable variance among the groups.

Conclusion

Blood flow restriction has been shown to effectively induce cross-education in muscle strength. Nevertheless, additional research is required to determine its impact on muscle strength. Nevertheless, additional research is required to determine its impact on muscle volume cross-education. Reduced exercise intensity with blood flow restriction may augment neural activation, implying possible advantages in rehabilitative training for individuals with neurological conditions—meriting additional investigation.

Blood flow restriction, Cross-education, Muscle strength, Muscle volume
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Author notes

Liang Sun, male, a graduate student; Research direction: Physical fitness and health promotion. email: [email protected] , Tel:19115584918

Yi Yang, male, a graduate student; Research direction: Physical fitness and health promotion. email: [email protected] , Tel: 18383570623

Author Contributions Liang Sun conceived the study, took part on the screening process and data extraction, drafted the manuscript; Jiong Luo formulated the review criteria and helped to revise the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript, and agree with the order of presentation of the authors.

Conflict of Interest The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.