Blood Flow Restriction Training (BRFT)
What is Blood Flow Restriction Training?
Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is a technique combining low-intensity exercise with blood flow occlusion (reducing the amount of blood flow into an extremity by using a specially made medical tourniquet). BFRT is a tool used to improve strength in a safe manner without overloading muscles.
Why would I need BFRT?
If you are a post-operative patient or rehabilitating an injury and are unable to tolerate heavy resistance to improve muscular strength and size, then BFRT is right for you. By decreasing blood flow to an area, the body is able to achieve muscle hypertrophy with minimal load. This technique allows use of low loads yet achieves results similar to high intensity training. BFRT is also ideal for older individuals where high load exercises can’t be tolerated and could possibly cause injuries.
How does BRFT work?
A pneumatic cuff (to create a tourniquet effect) is placed on the upper arms or the upper legs. The cuff is then inflated to a specific pressure with the aim of obtaining partial arterial and complete venous occlusion. The patient will then be asked to perform resistance exercises at a low intensity of 20-30% of 1 repetition max (1RM), with high repetitions per set (15-30) and short rest intervals between sets (30 seconds). Your trained physical therapist will be monitoring and prescribing your exercise throughout your entire session.
Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is a technique combining low-intensity exercise with blood flow occlusion (reducing the amount of blood flow into an extremity by using a specially made medical tourniquet). BFRT is a tool used to improve strength in a safe manner without overloading muscles.
Why would I need BFRT?
If you are a post-operative patient or rehabilitating an injury and are unable to tolerate heavy resistance to improve muscular strength and size, then BFRT is right for you. By decreasing blood flow to an area, the body is able to achieve muscle hypertrophy with minimal load. This technique allows use of low loads yet achieves results similar to high intensity training. BFRT is also ideal for older individuals where high load exercises can’t be tolerated and could possibly cause injuries.
How does BRFT work?
A pneumatic cuff (to create a tourniquet effect) is placed on the upper arms or the upper legs. The cuff is then inflated to a specific pressure with the aim of obtaining partial arterial and complete venous occlusion. The patient will then be asked to perform resistance exercises at a low intensity of 20-30% of 1 repetition max (1RM), with high repetitions per set (15-30) and short rest intervals between sets (30 seconds). Your trained physical therapist will be monitoring and prescribing your exercise throughout your entire session.
