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Life sciences · Journal article
European Journal of Applied Physiology · September 8, 2026
Encouraging direction, but not yet definitive.
This registered, small RCT of 6-week remote resistance training in 27 overweight adults found that both BFR and conventional training increased knee extensor and flexor strength comparably, with no statistically significant group × time interaction favouring BFR. The finding that BFR provided no additional benefit over standard resistance training is credible but not definitive given the sample size and lack of formal power analysis.
Parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Sedentary adults with overweight or obesity.. Intervention: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training combined with home-based bodyweight resistance exercise via videoconference, 3 times per week for 6 weeks.. Compared with: Non-BFR home-based bodyweight resistance exercise via videoconference, 3 times per week for 6 weeks.. n = 27. Not reported in abstract..
Isometric knee-extension peak torque increased in both groups (BFR: 186 ± 50 to 222 ± 80 Nm; non-BFR: 183 ± 81 to 204 ± 90 Nm; P < 0.001), with no group difference. Isokinetic concentric knee extension and flexion improved at 30°/s, 90°/s, and 180°/s (all P ≤ 0.032), without BFR advantage. Trunk lean mass increased across both groups (BFR: 27.2 ± 4.3 to 27.9 ± 4.5 kg; non-BFR: 25.4 ± 4.0 to 25.8 ± 4.4 kg; P = 0.007), with no significant group × time interaction.
Safety was not reported in the material analysed. Check the source before drawing any conclusion about harm.
Clinicians may consider remote, supervised bodyweight resistance training as an effective option to improve lower-limb strength in overweight, sedentary populations. The lack of added benefit from BFR in this setting suggests that conventional remote training is sufficient for this outcome, though this is not a definitive negative finding given the small sample.
A small, well-designed RCT with registered protocol showing that remote resistance training improves knee strength in overweight adults, but finds no added benefit from blood flow restriction—a null finding that is credible but requires replication in a larger sample.
As stated by the source record.
Quoted from the source exactly as published.
Clinicians may consider remote, supervised bodyweight resistance training as an effective option to improve lower-limb strength in overweight, sedentary populations. The lack of added benefit from BFR in this setting suggests that conventional remote training is sufficient for this outcome, though this is not a definitive negative finding given the small sample.
Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.
Abstract Purpose Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a widely used exercise modality in sport; however, evidence supporting its use in individuals with overweight remains limited. This study evaluated whether home-based BFR training provides additional benefits over conventional resistance training in this population. Methods Twenty-seven participants were assigned to BFR ( n = 13) or non-BFR ( n = 14) groups for a 6-week (3x/week) home-based strength program via videoconference. Assessments included body composition (DEXA), glucose and lipid metabolism, knee extensor/flexor strength, and gait analysis (energetics, biomechanics and preferred walking speed). Results No group × time interactions were observed for any outcome, indicating no BFR-induced benefits. Across both groups, trunk lean mass increased (BFR: 27.2 ± 4.3 to 27.9 ± 4.5 kg; non-BFR: 25.4 ± 4.0 to 25.8 ± 4.4 kg; P = 0.007). HDL-cholesterol decreased ( P = 0.008) and glycated haemoglobin increased ( P < 0.001), both statistically significant but clinically negligible and directionally unfavourable. Isometric knee-extension peak torque increased (BFR: 186 ± 50 to 222 ± 80 Nm; non-BFR: 183 ± 81 to 204 ± 90 Nm; P < 0.001), with parallel gains in isokinetic concentric extension and flexion at 30°/s, 90°/s, and 180°/s (all P ≤ 0.032). Gait analysis showed no changes. Conclusion Six weeks of remotely supervised bodyweight resistance training improved knee extensor and flexor strength in sedentary adults with overweight or obesity. Under the present conditions, adding BFR did not provide evidence of additional benefit for strength, body composition, metabolic markers, or walking outcomes. Trial registration The trial was registered in advance at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT05371119 on 12 May 2022.
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