Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Pain Perception in Athletes with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Case Series
- 1University of California, Davis.
- 2Corrective Exercise and Restoration.
- 3University of Idaho.
Abstract
Background
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is a common cause of non-specific low back pain (LBP), affecting up to 30% of the patient population. While various conservative and invasive treatments are available, many pose risks or are poorly tolerated. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training promotes strength gains with low-load resistance, offering a potential alternative to promote SIJ stabilization and strengthen surrounding musculature in patients who cannot tolerate traditional high-load exercises due to pain.Purpose
To describe the preliminary clinical outcomes specifically regarding pain, function, and disability in a small series of subjects with SIJ dysfunction following a single session of BFR training.Study design
Case series.Methods
Four subjects with clinically confirmed SIJ dysfunction using the Cluster of Laslett underwent a single BFR training session using the Delfi Personal Tourniquet System, performing low-load bodyweight squats under 80% arterial occlusion for 4 sets of 30, 15, 15, 15, as outlined by Owens Recovery Sciences. Outcomes were measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and Disablement in the Physically Active Scale Short Form-8 (DPA SF-8), recorded before treatment, immediately after, and at one-week follow-up.Results
All subjects experienced complete pain relief (NPRS = 0) immediately post-treatment and at follow-up. PSFS scores increased by an average of 7.63 points. DPA SF-8 scores improved from a mean of 25.75 to 0, reflecting significant gains in function and quality of life.Conclusion
A single BFR session produced immediate and short-term improvements in pain, function, and disability in four subjects with SIJ dysfunction.Level of evidence
4.
Related
- Ultrasound-Guided Intra-articular Prolotherapy Versus Corticosteroid Injection for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
- The effects of blood flow restriction training during low intensity online resistance training with older adults
- Blood flow restriction of sport-specific repeated-sprint training enhances acute physiological responses in elite female boxers: a randomized, crossover trial
- Blood Flow Restriction Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions
- Trajectories of cardiopulmonary adaptation and executive function in elite endurance athletes receiving transcranial direct current stimulation with interval training
BibTeX
@article{motz2026effects,
title = {{Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Pain Perception in Athletes with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Case Series}},
author = {Cameron Motz and Shayane Santiago and Moni Syeda and Jason Bartholomew and Russell T Baker},
journal = {International journal of sports physical therapy},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.26603/001c.172563},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13727013},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Pain Perception in Athletes with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Case Series
AU - Cameron Motz
AU - Shayane Santiago
AU - Moni Syeda
AU - Jason Bartholomew
AU - Russell T Baker
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/01
JO - International journal of sports physical therapy
DO - 10.26603/001c.172563
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13727013
AB - Background Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is a common cause of non-specific low back pain (LBP), affecting up to 30% of the patient population. While various conservative and invasive treatments are available, many pose risks or are poorly tolerated. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training promotes strength gains with low-load resistance, offering a potential alternative to promote SIJ stabilization and strengthen surrounding musculature in patients who cannot tolerate traditional high-load exercises due to pain.Purpose To describe the preliminary clinical outcomes specifically regarding pain, function, and disability in a small series of subjects with SIJ dysfunction following a single session of BFR training.Study design Case series.Methods Four subjects with clinically confirmed SIJ dysfunction using the Cluster of Laslett underwent a single BFR training session using the Delfi Personal Tourniquet System, performing low-load bodyweight squats under 80% arterial occlusion for 4 sets of 30, 15, 15, 15, as outlined by Owens Recovery Sciences. Outcomes were measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and Disablement in the Physically Active Scale Short Form-8 (DPA SF-8), recorded before treatment, immediately after, and at one-week follow-up.Results All subjects experienced complete pain relief (NPRS = 0) immediately post-treatment and at follow-up. PSFS scores increased by an average of 7.63 points. DPA SF-8 scores improved from a mean of 25.75 to 0, reflecting significant gains in function and quality of life.Conclusion A single BFR session produced immediate and short-term improvements in pain, function, and disability in four subjects with SIJ dysfunction.Level of evidence 4.
SN - 2159-2896
ER -