---
title: "Muscle Strength and Mass Adaptations Between High-Load and…"
description: "High-load training is better for strength gains, but both high-load and blood-flow restriction training are equally effective for muscle growth."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d29043659.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d29043659.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d29043659.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d29043659"
journal: "Sports Med"
year: 2018
pmid: "29043659"
doi: "10.1007/s40279-017-0795-y"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Muscle Strength and Mass Adaptations Between High-Load and Low-Load Resistance Training With Blood-Flow Restriction: a meta-analysis

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Sports Med |
| Year | 2018 |
| PMID | [29043659](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29043659/) |
| DOI | [10.1007/s40279-017-0795-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0795-y) |
| Study key | d29043659 |

## Takeaway

High-load training is better for strength gains, but both high-load and blood-flow restriction training are equally effective for muscle growth.

## The question

Does low-load resistance training with blood-flow restriction (BFR-RT) produce similar increases in muscle strength and mass compared to conventional high-load resistance training (HL-RT)?

## Hypothesis

The study aims to compare the effects of HL-RT versus BFR-RT on muscle adaptations.

## Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, identifying studies from electronic databases. Inclusion criteria included pre- and post-training assessments of muscular strength and hypertrophy, comparison of HL-RT vs. BFR-RT, a PEDro score of at least 4, and reported means and standard deviations or estimable data.

## Results

High-load resistance training (HL-RT) resulted in greater increases in muscle strength compared to blood-flow restriction resistance training (BFR-RT). However, both HL-RT and BFR-RT showed similar effects on muscle hypertrophy.

## Conclusion

Maximum muscle strength may be optimized by HL-RT, while both HL-RT and BFR-RT appear equally effective in increasing muscle mass. BFR-RT is a valid and effective approach for increasing muscle strength across various ages and physical capacities, especially for individuals with physical limitations.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state limitations of the meta-analysis itself, but rather discusses the applicability of BFR-RT for specific populations.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> blood flow restriction resistance training is a valid and effective approach for increasing muscle strength

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs | Moderate evidence | [Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/173.md) |

## Reference

1. **Muscle Strength and Mass Adaptations Between High-Load and Low-Load Resistance Training With Blood-Flow Restriction: a meta-analysis**
   Sports Med 2018 · [PMID 29043659](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29043659/) · [DOI 10.1007/s40279-017-0795-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0795-y)

   > blood flow restriction resistance training is a valid and effective approach for increasing muscle strength

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/173.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: low-load occlusion training](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s173.md)
- [Resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle strength and hypertrophy in…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d34758045.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).