by Nick Darrow SPT
Blood Flow Restriction Training or BFR Training is the use of a tourniquet, inflatable cuff, or belt at the proximal end of an extremity to partially or fully occlude venous blood flow while allowing arterial blood flow to continue. While blood flow is being restricted, utilizing low loads (20-30% of 1RM) while performing exercises. The BFR device should not stay on any longer than the time it takes to do a set of exercise, it should be immediately loosened to allow for unrestricted blood flow during rest periods.
Is Blood Flow Restriction Training safe?
BFR training has been shown to significantly increase muscle hypertrophy (muscle growth) and strength of the muscles being used when applied correctly. When used like the research suggests, BFR is safe to use as an alternative to heavy load strength training to gain the same benefits.
What does this mean for Physical Therapists and patients?
In the clinical setting it may be difficult to reach 60-70% of 1RM to achieve maximal strength gains or muscular hypertrophy especially in patient populations that it’s contraindicated for (post-acute injury, post-operative, etc.). Physical therapists can utilize BFR training for patients to allow for increased recovery rates, decreased time for return to sport activity, and increase overall strength and muscle hypertrophy for patients that aren’t able to lift such heavy loads.
References:
- Miller BC, Tirko AW, Shipe JM, Sumeriski OR, Moran K. The Systemic Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2021;16(4):978-990. doi:https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.25791
- Vanwye W, Weatherholt A, Mikesky A. Blood Flow Restriction Training: Implementation into Clinical Practice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609669/pdf/ijes-10-05-649.pdf
- Hughes L, Paton B, Rosenblatt B, Gissane C, Patterson SD. Blood flow restriction training in clinical musculoskeletal rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017;51(13):1003-1011. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097071
- Minniti MC, Statkevich AP, Kelly RL, et al. The Safety of Blood Flow Restriction Training as a Therapeutic Intervention for Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Published online November 11, 2019:036354651988265. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546519882652
- Tennent DJ, Hylden CM, Johnson AE, Burns TC, Wilken JM, Owens JG. Blood Flow Restriction Training After Knee Arthroscopy. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2017;27(3):245-252. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/jsm.0000000000000377
If you are looking for Blood Flow Restriction Training, contact us today via our contact form, or call us directly at our physical therapy clinics in Malta, Saratoga, Delmar or Queensbury at 518-289-5242 for a personal evaluation, and find out how we can increase muscle growth!
