Background and Objectives: The effect of the blood flow restriction technique (BFR) on
delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) symptoms remains unclear. Since there is no consensus in
the literature, the aim of the present study is to systematically identify and appraise the available
evidence on the effects of the BFR technique on DOMS, in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods:
Computerized literature search in the databases Pubmed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane and
PEDro to identify randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of blood flow restriction on
delayed onset muscular soreness symptoms. Results: Eight trials met the eligibility criteria and were
included in this review, presenting the results of 118 participants, with a mean methodological rating
of 6/10 on the PEDro scale. Conclusions: So far, there is not enough evidence to confirm or refute the
influence of BFR on DOMS, and more studies with a good methodological basis are needed, in larger
samples, to establish protocols and parameters of exercise and intervention. Data analysis suggests a
tendency toward the proinflammatory effect of BFR during high restrictive pressures combined with
eccentric exercises, while postconditioning BFR seems to have a protective effect on DOMS
