Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs and Fall Risk in Older Adults: Clinical Insights

A Murdoch University study finds that wearing blood flow restriction (BFR) cuffs acutely worsens walking balance in older adults in a pressure‑dependent manner. In a small treadmill trial (n=10; mean age 73), balance—measured by a lower‑back motion sensor—declined as cuff inflation increased.

Participants walked without cuffs and then with cuffs set near 40% and 60% estimated arterial occlusion. Compared with baseline, both inflation levels reduced walking stability, with a stepwise worsening at 40% then 60%. The trial captured immediate, within‑session gait metrics rather than training adaptations, so the signal reflects acute effects during inflation.

Data showed reduced step stability and greater trunk sway when participants wore BFR cuffs, consistent with a low‑oxygen, high‑fatigue environment that impairs rapid postural corrections. Those mechanistic observations provide a plausible pathway linking inflation‑heightened unsteadiness to near‑term fall risk during or shortly after BFR application.

This acute safety signal sits alongside evidence that BFR protocols can produce longer‑term strength gains. Benefits are most likely when training uses progressive exposure, controlled cuff pressures, supervised progression, and safe environments that mitigate early instability.