Efficacy of Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) in Alleviating Chronic Wrist Pain and Enhancing Forearm Function among Badminton Players: A Pilot Study

Taruna Verma; Sajjad Alam; Shagun Agarwal

doi:10.15391/prrht.2025-10(5).02

Authors

Taruna Verma Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0892-1352
Sajjad Alam Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2579-8659
Shagun Agarwal Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4265-2958

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15391/prrht.2025-10(5).02

Keywords:

Blood Flow Restriction, Wrist Pain, ROM, Badminton Players

Abstract

Purpose. Wrist pain is a prevalent concern among badminton players often resulting from monotonous physical stress and overuse, which can lead to functional limitations and compromised performance. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has emerged as promising intervention in musculoskeletal rehabilitation therapy, offering muscular benefits at low intensities. However, its efficacy in upper limb conditions, particularly chronic wrist pain in athletes, remains underexplored. To assess the success of BFRT in dropping wrist pain, enhancing range of motion (ROM), and promoting muscle hypertrophy among badminton players with chronic wrist discomfort

Material & Methods. A descriptive and quantitative case series was conducted with 10 badminton players (6 males, 4 females; mean age: 27.2 ± 1.81 years) experiencing chronic wrist pain for over three months. Participants underwent a four-week BFRT intervention involving low-intensity biceps and wrist curls, performed three times a week. Cuff pressure was standardised at 50% of limb occlusion pressure (LOP), and the exercises were conducted at 20% of one repetition (max). Pain (VAS), ROM, and forearm girth were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Results. The mean VAS score reduced from 6.9 ± 1.10 at baseline to 0 post-intervention, indicating a 100% reduction in perceived pain. Forearm girth increased from a mean of 6.68 ± 1.2 inches to 6.88 ± 1.3 inches, reflecting hypertrophy. Participants reported an improvement in their ability to use their hands functionally and a reduction in pain during daily activities. Statistically significant pain reduction was observed earlier in female participants compared to males.

Conclusions. BFRT significantly alleviated wrist pain, improved muscular adaptations, and enhanced functionality in badminton players, demonstrating its potential as a low-risk and cost-effective alternative technique as compared to traditional high-load resistance training. These preliminary findings suggest that it could be used for upper limb rehabilitation, but further large-scale controlled trials are needed to establish its general applicability.

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