Blood-flow restriction training can help patients to make greater strength training gains while lifting lighter loads, thereby reducing the overall stress placed on the limb.
New forms of BFR and expanding applications in postoperative patients and athletes hold promise for expedited recovery. Continued adherence to rehabilitation guidelines and exploration of BFRs physiology and various applications will help optimize its effect and prescription.
The BFR Cuffs work by inflating to restrict a certain percentage of blood flow into your limb (and all blood flow leaving your limb) during your training.
Blood carries oxygen. Less blood flow to the working muscle = less oxygen to the working muscle. When oxygen supply to the muscle is limited, this kicks off a cascade of responses in the body that replicate many of the benefits of high intensity training. BFR therapy stimulates muscle hypertrophy via a synergistic response to metabolic stress and mechanical tension, with supplemental benefits on cardiovascular fitness and pain. This is one reason why blood flow restriction training has time and time again proven through research to be extremely effective at building strength, muscle, and endurance at lower intensity and in shorter sessions.
