[Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) in patients before and after total knee arthroplasty].

BACKGROUND: In healthy individuals, blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has shown positive effects on muscle mass, strength, fatigue resistance, as well as tendon and bone metabolism. BFRT reduces blood flow in the extremities using inflatable cuffs, creating local muscular hypoxia, which produces an anabolic metabolic environment. This promotes significant muscular and cardiovascular adaptations even at low mechanical training loads.

KNEE ENDOPROSTHESES: BFRT also shows promising initial results in pre- and postoperative applications for knee endoprostheses (KTEP). Both preoperative and postoperative BFRT can improve muscle strength and joint function, accelerate recovery, and alleviate pain. Although the method is generally safe, potential risks such as discomfort and rare side effects must be considered. Clear application protocols are still lacking, necessitating further research and individualized programs to achieve optimal training effects. BFRT thus offers an innovative way to effectively rehabilitate patients despite their low load tolerance.