Keywords

upper extremtiy, ultrasound, BFR

Disciplines

Physical Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Blood flow restriction (BFR) can improve muscular strength under lower loads versus traditional resistance training. Little research has been completed on the upper extremity and almost no targeted research on BFR and the tendon. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effects of BFR on the biceps brachii muscle and tendon compared to traditional resistance training.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial of healthy participants over seven weeks of completing bicep curls. Participants were randomly allocated to the BFR or control group (C). Ultrasound measurement of the tendon occurred at baseline, midpoint, and completion of study, while adjusted one repetition maximum (Adj1RM) was examined at baseline and post intervention.

Results: Forty-two participants (18 BFR; 24 control) completed the protocol. The Adj1RM showed no difference between the BFR and Control groups (p = 0.56), however, a significant effect of exercise was found with participants lifting more post-intervention compared to baseline (23.5 ± 1.3 vs. 28.9 ±1.2 respectively; p < 0.00). Similarly, ultrasound measurements did not vary by the group (p = 0.82). However, a difference in intervention was found for all participants (p < 0.00) with pairwise comparisons revealing increased tendon size at each point (8.3 ± 0.3 vs. 8.9 ± 0.3 vs. 9.8 ± 0.3 respectively)

Conclusion: Low-load BFR can induce similar effects of tendon hypertrophy and strength gains as a high-load exercise program.

Original Citation

Parker, T., Corbin, S., Feeback, M., Wilks, B., Lowe, A., & Kaminski, N. (2025). Blood Flow Restriction, Tendon Hypertrophy, and Strength Gain in the Biceps Brachii: Direct Original Research. Research in Therapeutic Sciences, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.53520/rts2025.105128

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