What is Blood Flow Restriction Training?
Blood flow restriction training, often known as BFR training, is a relatively new method of exercising that involves using a cuff or band to restrict the amount of blood that flows to a muscle while the muscle is being worked out. Over the past few years, BFR training has been increasingly popular, particularly within the realm of physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Who can benefit for BFR training therapy?
BFR training benefits many people, including:
- Athletes: BFR exercise boosts muscle strength, endurance and recovery in athletes in all sports.
- Rehabilitation Patients: BFR training helps people recover from injuries, surgeries and musculoskeletal disorders in physiotherapy and rehabilitation settings. It improves muscle strength and function.
- Elderly People: BFR training may aid aged people who struggle with high-intensity exercises. Lower-intensity activities with BFR boost muscle growth and physical function.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: BFR training is popular among fitness enthusiasts who want to improve their exercises with lighter loads. It challenges muscles and boosts strength.
- Muscle Atrophy: BFR exercise can help muscle atrophy caused by immobilization or inactivity. Low-load BFR exercises enhance muscle protein synthesis and growth.
What does the evidence suggest?
BFR training appears to improve muscle strength and function in physiotherapy rehabilitation patients. BFR training increased muscle strength in knee osteoarthritis patients while employing lower resistance levels than standard resistance training, according to a Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy study.
Another Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport study found that BFR training improved muscle strength and functional performance in knee injury rehabilitation patients. The study found that BFR training may complement knee injury therapy.
BFR training may prevent muscle atrophy and enhance muscular growth while enhancing muscle strength and function. BFR training reduced muscle atrophy and promoted muscle growth in knee injury patients, according to a British Journal of Sports Medicine comprehensive review.
BFR training appears to improve muscle strength, functional results, and muscle atrophy in physiotherapy rehabilitation patients. BFR training should be done by a medical professional because inappropriate use can cause harm.
Note: BFR training must be supervised by a medical practitioner or BFR specialist. They can assure good technique, safety, and personalized programming based on needs and goals
Book an appointment
Contact us for optimal care
We provide comprehensive care service which is available around the clock for your health and well-being.