BFR: Blood Flow Restriction

What is it?

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training is the ultimate ‘biohack’. BFR allows users to lift light weights under reduced arterial flow conditions and still achieve muscular gains and aerobic capacity changes similar to high intensity training. Smart Tools BFR is quantifiably and objectively reducing the amount of blood flow into an extremity by using a specially made medical tourniquet. It is a safe and effective exercise approach that increases muscle mass, improves aerobic capacity, and aids in repair and regrowth of tissues. It triggers physiological adaptations that allow you to train at low loads with the effects and benefits of high load training. Injury risk, joint stress, and tissue damage is greatly decreased using BFR training compared with high load training.

BFR Mechanisms

There are many mechanisms for improving strength and size of a muscle with BFR. Many of these mechanisms overlap the mechanisms from high intensity lifting. By decreasing the amount of blood flow into the muscle (from cuff restriction), the limb becomes hypoxic (lack of oxygen). In addition, the cuffs prevent blood from leaving the limb so swelling of the limb occurs. The following mechanisms have been described as contributing to adaptations from BFR training:

Metabolic Stress
Activation of Myogenic Stem Cells
Release of hormones like Growth Hormone and Insulin Growth Factor
Hypoxia
Cellular Swelling

Who is BFR good for?

Blood Flow Restriction training is effective and safe for most people. Athletes wanting to increase their performance, post-operative patients, those rehabilitating an injury or older individuals are ideal candidates for BFR training.
Post-op patients and for those who cannot lift heavy weights can find BFR to be extremely beneficial. It allows you to decrease muscle atrophy, avoid as much strength loss, and return to function faster than a standard physical therapy approach. Our Huntsville, AL physical therapists will discuss whether blood flow restriction training will be a beneficial addition to your rehab and care.
The benefits are not just limited to those who are injured. Consistent blood flow restriction training can be implemented improve muscle size and strength in athletes. Many professional athletes use this same technology to enhance their performance including the Alabama football team, Bode Miller (6 time Olympic medalist), Charlie Rosa (UFC Fighter), and many more.

Let ProFormance in Huntsville, AL know if you want to accelerate your training with BFR!