BFR stands for “Blood Flow Restriction.” As the name implies, it restricts blood flow to a target area or muscle. Specifically, it restricts arterial and venous blood flow to control the amount of oxygen entering and leaving the muscle. The application of BFR involves a pressure cuff similar to the cuff found when taking your blood pressure and an applicator that measures the inflation.
The mechanism behind BFR training
BFR mimics high intensity strength training by tricking the body into thinking it's under high resistance. This induces the body’s physiological response to repair damaged tissues. In high resistance training, the demand for oxygen increases dramatically. When the body is under this high stress it produces growth factors and muscle repair cells in response to the low oxygen environment.
By placing the body in a controlled ischemic environment (depriving the oxygen from the muscle) we can get similar benefits of high resistance training without the downsides such as muscle breakdown and soreness. It is an excellent method to help heal injuries, decreasing recovery time without further damage that could delay the healing process.
Does BFR actually work?
There are over 850 peer-reviewed articles on the science and application of BFR. The studies show a positive impact on building strength, decreasing pain, and improving recovery.
BFR can be used for:
Post-surgical strengthening
Preventing atrophy or muscle wasting
Muscle recovery
Tendinitis/Tendinopathy
Repair and Growth
Increase cardiovascular health
Improve Bone Density and Function
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