What is Blood Flow Restriction Training?
You might be wondering right now, Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT)? What is that?! Well, let me tell you! BFRT is a safe and effective method we use to build and strengthen muscles as well as improve endurance. It allows us to positively stress the muscle with low-intensity exercises when more intense exercise or activity is not recommended or tolerated. Even though it’s a low intensity workout, it yields results similar to high-intensity resistance training. This is extremely beneficial for those recovering from an injury or coming out of surgery. Basically, BFRT helps you rehab faster, recover sooner, and gets you back to doing the things you love!
How Does it Work?
First, we place a cuff around a limb such as your arm or leg. Next, the cuff is calibrated to your individual pressure that’s determined by an external doppler. The cuff is then inflated for short, intermittent periods to restrict a percentage of blood flow. Restricting the blood flow makes the muscle work much harder. This is because the restricted muscle is now getting less oxygen from your blood. BFRT tricks the body by making easy exercises at low intensities seem harder, causing fatigue to occur much sooner. This is what ultimately makes your muscles grow bigger and stronger! Check out the videos below to see how it works!
What does the scientific evidence say about BFRT?
Research validates that BFRT is very effective in many ways. It can increase strength, prevent atrophy, create hypertrophy, aid in recovery, and improve cardiovascular function.
Who can benefit from BFRT?
It can help the 80 year old female with an arthritic knee who needs to strengthen, but cannot tolerate heavy resistance. How about the 50 year old male who just had shoulder surgery and is not yet cleared to begin resistance training? Absolutely! Even elite endurance athletes can use it to improve their VO2max. In short, BFRT can benefit almost EVERYONE! Â
Is BFRT safe?
- SmartCuffs
are FDA listed (Class 1 – Medical Device).
- Many studies have been performed to address the safety of BFRT. While there are contraindications and precautions to the use of BFRT, it can benefit the majority of the population.
