Blood Flow Restriction
Rehabilitation and Training
What is Blood Flow Restricted Training?
Blood Flow Restriction in healthcare and performance training utilizes a FDA approved device to occlude (restrict) a percentage of blood flow to the area you are targeting. Every individual is different on amount of pressure that is needed to accomplish appropriate occlusion amount. The target amount of occlusion also varies upon body region targeted.Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation/Training is not the same as a tourniquet usage for life saving events or surgical procedures
Traditional strength training requires an individual to utilize resistance at least 65% of their 1 repetition maximum. This means if you can maximally lift 100 pounds you need to lift at least 65 pounds to see a gain in your muscle size.
With the localized and systemic release of specific hormones in addition to other factors related to muscle growth during BFR, an individual only has to lift 20 to 30% of their 1 repetition maximum. In the previous scenario this means you only have to lift 20 – 30 pounds.
65lbs non-BFR. 20 – 30lbs BFR
Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) is frequently advantageous for patients undergoing rehabilitation and aiming to enhance functional performance. Below are several benefits:
- Improved Muscle Mass
- Improved Muscle Strength
- Improved cardiovascular endurance
- Improved Bone Density Markers
- Improved Functional Outcomes