Examining the impact of blood flow restriction on cardiac rehabilitation outcomes

Physical exercise is a cornerstone of cardiac rehabilitation, with resistance training increasingly recognized as essential due to the "muscular hypothesis" in cardiac-related frailty. However, many patients are unable to achieve the required training intensities to gain the associated benefits, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has recently emerged as a promising strategy for this population. This qualitative mini-review explores the acute effects and long-term adaptations of BFR training in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, aiming to provide insights into its potential as a viable and effective intervention in health-related outcomes.