Attitudes and knowledge of South African healthcare professionals towards blood flow restriction training

Abstract

Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) has been shown to have similar benefits to high-intensity exercise conditions without high resistance loads. This training methodology is not included in traditional healthcare professional training, as it is an emerging training tool. Moreover, the attitudes and knowledge of healthcare professionals towards BFRT remain unknown in South Africa. The purpose of this exploratory study was to elucidate the attitudes and knowledge of selected healthcare professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa regarding BFRT. A total of 100 healthcare professionals completed an online questionnaire, including exercise physiologists (46%) and physiotherapists (13%), with medical practitioners (14%), occupational therapists (14%), and other professions (13%). Most had heard about BFRT. Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists agreed that BFRT is a feasible clinical tool and that they possess sufficient knowledge of BFRT methodology, whereas other practitioners were indifferent. Most healthcare professionals were significantly indifferent on the role of BFRT in post-surgical interventions and in improving physiological outcomes. Physiotherapists disagreed with the statement that BRFT improves health outcomes in older individuals. At the same time, all healthcare practitioners agreed that BFRT can be used in the healthy adult population, but is contraindicated for pregnant women. A very high proportion of health practitioners agreed on the need for more education and training in BFRT. Overall, health care providers demonstrated attitudes that were generally positive toward BFRT, but were indifferent regarding using the tool in rehabilitation and post-surgery. There was low confidence in the application of BFRT, and most participants desired more training and education. Our findings emphasise the need for the adoption and education of BFRT.