Blood Flow Restriction Training: Physiological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Blood flow restriction is a form of training that partially restricts blood flow to the exercising muscles. This mechanism is achieved by placing a tourniquet on the proximal areas of the upper or lower limbs. Given the great popularity that this type of training has had in various parts of the world and in multiple disciplines, the aim of this text is to elucidate the physiological effects, molecular mechanisms, mode of use, clinical applications, contraindications and precautions of blood flow restriction training. This form of training has multiple physiological effects on the endothelial, endocrine, muscular and cognitive systems. These effects are mediated by the dimerization of hypoxia-inducible factors that take place in hypoxic environments. Aspects such as cuff type, occlusion pressure and exercise dosage are of vital importance to achieve beneficial effects and to avoid adverse events. Since this training allows gains in strength and muscle mass using low training loads, it could be an effective tool for those users who, due to health conditions, cannot exercise using high loads.