Studies using resistance training with partial restriction of blood flow (BRF) have shown significant gains in muscle performance, such as gains in strength and hypertrophy, however, few studies have evaluated the hemodynamic effects after using the technique.

It consists of analyzing whether the BFR significantly alters the hemodynamic variables (HR, SBP, DBP) in comparison with the passive control (PC) and active control (conventional resistance training - CRT) groups.

The present study is a systematic review with meta-analysis registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42021234757) and follows the Cochrane standard recommendations and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

A total of 15 randomized crossover studies with 466 participants were eligible for analyses. Our data demonstrated that BFR significantly increased HR compared to the PC condition (mean difference [MD] = 7.25, 95% CI: 2.15−12.35 bpm, I2 = 12%), considering all data pooled (6 studies, 7 comparisons, n = 192 subjects); however, BFR showed no significant differences from the CRT condition) (MD = −4.75, 95% CI: −12.70 at 3.20 bpm, I2 = 83%) (10 studies, n = 276 subjects). Considering all data pooled (5 studies, 7 comparisons, n = 186 subjects), BFR significantly increased SBP (MD = 11.67, 95% CI: 6.17−17.17 mmHg, I2 = 0%) compared to the condition of PC. In contrast, there was no difference when compared to the CRT condition (MD = 2.17, 95% CI: −5.62 to 9.96 mmHg, I2 = 77%) (10 studies, n = 264 subjects). Similar to SBP, BRF significantly increased DBP (MD = 6.93, 95% CI: 1.24−12.61 mmHg, I2 = 41%) (5 studies, 7 comparisons, n = 186 subjects) compared to PC condition while there was no difference when compared to the CRT condition (MD = 1.41, 95% CI: −6.49 to 9.31 mmHg, I2 = 89%) (11 studies, n = 306 subjects).

Our data demonstrated that, despite causing remarkable hemodynamic responses compared to no exercise, BFR modulates all hemodynamic parameters HR, SBP and DBP, similarly to CRT.

The present research provides evidence supporting the use of BFR associated with RT in healthy subjects.