SynthesisFrontiers in physiology2026
Effects of blood flow restriction exercise interventions on patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in physiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
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Abstract
Purpose: Previous studies suggest that blood flow restriction training (BFRT) may improve pain and knee function in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS); however, its additional clinical benefit compared with general rehabilitation exercise (GRE) remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effects of BFRT and GRE in PFPS rehabilitation through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched up to February 14, 2026 (CRD420261296172). Interventional studies comparing BFRT with GRE in exercise-based rehabilitation for PFPS were included. Outcomes included pain intensity, self-reported knee function, knee extensor strength, and quadriceps morphology. Results: Thirteen studies were included qualitatively, and 11 randomized controlled trials involving 508 participants were included in the meta-analysis. BFRT produced immediate reductions in pain during functional tasks, including shallow single-leg squat (MD = 2.13; Conclusion: In PFPS rehabilitation, BFRT may provide clinically relevant benefits for short-term pain reduction during functional tasks and modest improvements in knee extensor strength. However, current evidence does not show a clear advantage for self-reported knee function or quadriceps morphological outcomes. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because of protocol heterogeneity and limited long-term evidence.
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