What is BFRT, or Blood Flow Restriction Training?
BFRT is intermittent occlusion of venous blood flow of an upper or lower extremity. Occlusion is performed manually with a blood pressure cuff. The cuff is inflated to a patient specific pressure. BFRT has shown to improve muscle adaptation and provide systemic, whole body changes. BFRT has been used to improve muscle strength, size and functional aerobic capacity in less stress and time than traditional training.
This restriction results in strength improvements and improvements into cardiovascular function at a lower intensity that is usually required to stimulate the same changes.
When should BFRT Be Used?
- Preserve muscle mass and strength during forced inactivity (bedrest)
- Improve bone density and function
- Increase muscle size and strength
- Improve aerobic capacity
- Improve recovery
- Reduce pain and prepare for high intensity training
How Does Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Work?
BFR causes the same metabolic reactions as lifting with 80% 1 repetition max while only using 20% 1 repetition max weight. When someone lifts heavy several mechanisms in the body are activated; tensile stress (load) , metabolite accumulation, muscle cell swelling, muscle fiber recruitment, and post exercise hormones. These mechanisms allow muscles to grow bigger and stronger.BFR causes the same reactions as lifting heavy. First there is a time of hypoxia that induces an influx of lactate, lactic acid, and hydrogen. The presence of these molecules causes muscle fatigue and damage. In order for the muscle to repair itself, growth hormones and reparative proteins are sent to the affected area. This leads to increased muscle strength and muscle swelling.
Many of the benefits of BFR impact the body systemically. Training with BFR allows a person to improve the heart function and improve their VO2 max, but at a much lower intensity as traditional exercise.
