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Upper extremity blood-flow restriction training applied during walking in an adult with a rare form of spina bifida: a case report.

Physiotherapy theory and practice
April 8, 2025
Elliot J Gann et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to determine if bilateral upper extremity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) during walking could safely and effectively improve strength and functional mobility in an adult with spina bifida who relies on crutches for ambulation.

Results Summary

After 8 weeks of BFRT during walking, the patient showed significant improvements in walking speed (23%), mobility (20% faster TUG), sit-stand performance (22% faster), and upper extremity strength (8-79% gains), with no adverse events and high satisfaction.

Population

A 29-year-old female with diastematomyelia (a rare form of spina bifida) and lower extremity weakness requiring crutches for walking.

Effective Dosage

4 bouts of walking per session, each lasting 3 minutes with 35-50% limb occlusion pressure.

Duration

8 weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
bilateral upper extremity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) during walking
increase
10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
29-year-old female with diastematomyelia (a rare form of spina bifida)
0.15 m/s, 23%
demonstrated improvements
#1
bilateral upper extremity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) during walking
decrease
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
29-year-old female with diastematomyelia (a rare form of spina bifida)
-3.4s, 20%
demonstrated improvements
#2
bilateral upper extremity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) during walking
decrease
5 Times Sit-Stand Test (5×STS)
29-year-old female with diastematomyelia (a rare form of spina bifida)
-3.4 s, -22%
demonstrated improvements
#3
bilateral upper extremity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) during walking
increase
upper extremity strength
29-year-old female with diastematomyelia (a rare form of spina bifida)
ranged from 8-79% (2.8-6.7 kg)
improvements
#4
bilateral upper extremity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) during walking
no change
adverse events
29-year-old female with diastematomyelia (a rare form of spina bifida)
no adverse events
were no adverse events
#5
bilateral upper extremity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) during walking
increase
satisfaction
29-year-old female with diastematomyelia (a rare form of spina bifida)
high
was high
#6
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adults with spina bifida have impaired mobility and often rely on assistive devices like crutches for walking, which exert high torque demands on the upper extremities. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) may improve strength and gait measures by increasing intensity of training when applied during walking for individuals with limited walking tolerance. However, no studies have investigated the application of BFRT to the upper extremities for individuals who rely on crutches for walking. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case describes a 29-year-old female with diastematomyelia, a rare form of spina bifida, who had lower extremity weakness and reduced gait capacity requiring crutches. The patient underwent 8 weeks of bilateral upper extremity BFRT during walking. The BFRT program consisted of 4 bouts of walking per session, each lasting 3 minutes with 35-50% limb occlusion pressure. Outcomes measured at baseline and 8 weeks included the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 5 Times Sit-Stand Test (5×STS), hand-held dynamometry of 8 upper extremity muscles, and a BFRT satisfaction questionnaire. OUTCOMES: After 8 weeks, she demonstrated improvements on the 10MWT (0.15 m/s, 23%), TUG (-3.4s, 20%), 5×STS (-3.4 s, -22%), and upper extremity strength improvements ranged from 8-79% (2.8-6.7 kg). There were no adverse events related to the intervention and satisfaction was high. DISCUSSION: Bilateral upper extremity BFRT was safely applied during walking in an adult with spina bifida. The improvements in strength and functional mobility warrant future study among individuals who rely on upper extremity strength for ambulation.

Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety90
Efficacy85/10
Quality70/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.40
Normalized Score0.84
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