Effect of blood flow restriction training with core stabilization exercise on muscle activity and muscle thickness in subjects with nonspecific chronic low back pain.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
Epub Ahead of Print
J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2026 01-Jan;():. 10.1177/10538127251343856What this means for my practice?
BFR+CSE is more effective than CSE alone for improving muscle function and reducing disability in chronic low back pain. Clinically, this approach may allow greater rehabilitation gains using low-load exercise. A key limitation is the lack of long-term follow-up and absence of a non-exercise control group.
Study Summary
Thirty-eight patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain were randomized to receive blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with core stabilization exercise (CSE) or CSE alone. The primary outcomes of interest were muscle activity (EMG) of the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and gluteus maximus. Secondary outcomes included muscle thickness (at rest and during contraction) and disability measured by the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ). Outcomes were assessed before and after a 4-week intervention period. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the BFR+CSE group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in muscle activity, muscle thickness, and disability compared with the CSE group. These findings suggest that adding blood flow restriction to core stabilization exercise enhances neuromuscular adaptations and functional outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain.
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics
Or upgrade today and gain access to all OrthoEvidencecontent for as little as $1.99 per week.
Already have an account? Log in
Are you affiliated with one of our partner associations?
Click here to gain complimentary access as part your association member benefits!
0 of 4 monthly FREE articles unlocked
