What is Blood Flow Restriction Training?

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training involves using an extremity tourniquet (pneumatic cuff), placed  at the proximal upper leg or upper arm, to reduce blood flow into the limb while simultaneously performing a specific exercise protocol. The pressure is sufficient to maintain arterial inflow while occluding venous outflow distal to the occlusion site. The reduced  blood flow into the limb during exercise creates a hypoxic environment that  promotes positive factors including increased muscle strength through  various cellular mechanisms. 

With BFR training we can create significant changes in muscle strength and hypertrophy using lighter loads than are typically required without using BFR cuffs. This can be important in cases where we want to build strength with a heavier load but are restricted in our loading capacity due to injury, post operative limitations or high levels of pain.y.