Abstract
The current manuscript sets out a series of guidelines for blood flow restriction exercise, focusing on the methodology, application and safety of this mode of training. With the emergence of this technique and the wide variety of applications within the literature, the aim of this review is to set out a current research informed guide to blood flow restriction training to practitioners. This covers the use of blood flow restriction to enhance muscular strength and hypertrophy via training with resistance and aerobic exercise and preventing muscle atrophy using the technique passively. The authorship team for this article was selected from the researchers focused in blood flow restriction training research with expertise in exercise science, strength and conditioning and sports medicine.
Highlights
Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a training method partially restricting arterial inflow and fully restricting venous outflow in working musculature during exercise (Scott et al, 2015)
We suggest that the muscle strength gains observed in BFR-RE are lower compared to high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE), the BFR is more effective than low-load resistance exercise (LL-RE) alone and can be used when HL-RE is not advisable
The relationship between cardiac output (CO) and Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) does not seem to represent a cardiovascular threat in BFR exercise, a steady CO coupled with an increased SVR could drive an increase in blood pressure, and adverse individual responses may not be discarded
Summary
Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a training method partially restricting arterial inflow and fully restricting venous outflow in working musculature during exercise (Scott et al, 2015). Performing exercise with reduced blood flow achieved by restriction of the vasculature proximal to the muscle dates back to Dr Yoshiaki Sato in Japan, where it was known as “kaatsu training,” meaning “training with added pressure.”. Kaatsu training is performed all over the world and is more commonly referred to as “BFR training” and achieved using a pneumatic tourniquet system (Wernbom et al, 2008; Loenneke et al, 2012d) Performing exercise with reduced blood flow achieved by restriction of the vasculature proximal to the muscle dates back to Dr Yoshiaki Sato in Japan, where it was known as “kaatsu training,” meaning “training with added pressure.” Kaatsu training is performed all over the world and is more commonly referred to as “BFR training” and achieved using a pneumatic tourniquet system (Wernbom et al, 2008; Loenneke et al, 2012d)
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