Is blood flow-restricted training effective for rehabilitation of a pianist with residual neurological symptoms in the upper limbs? A case study

[Purpose] We investigated whether blood flow-restricted training known as KAATSU training, was effective for rehabilitation of a pianist with residual neurological symptoms in the upper limbs. [Participant and Methods] A pianist with residual neurological symptoms in the upper body played “Revolutionary Etude” under two conditions: piano performance with (Piano-blood flow-restricted) and without (Piano-control) the restriction of blood flow to the upper limbs. In the Piano-blood flow-restricted exercise, a pressure of 130–170 mmHg was applied around the most proximal portion of both arms. The changes in upper limb circumference and muscle strength were measured before, immediately after, and 15 min after the performance. The impression of the piano performance was recorded after the Piano-blood flow-restricted exercise. [Results] Immediately after the piano performance, the forearm and upper arm circumferences had increased significantly in both arms, and the change was greater in the Piano-blood flow-restricted than in the Piano-control condition. The handgrip strength for the right arm also showed greater changes in the former than the latter. However, there were no significant differences between the two conditions regarding the handgrip strength of the left arm. [Conclusion] There is a high possibility that blood flow-restricted training is effective for rehabilitation of the pianist with residual neurological symptoms in the upper limbs.