Blood-flow Restriction Training (BFRT)
Is achieved through the application of external pressure over the extremities. The goal is to enable patients to make greater strength gains while lifting lighter loads, thereby reducing the overall stress placed on the limb. Physical therapists have an existing firm foundation in anatomy, physiology, therapeutic exercise, and the cardiorespiratory system, as well as clinical reasoning, which are the components of the safe application of blood flow restriction training.
BFR and Effects on Pain
The mechanisms driving BFR’s effects on analgesia may involve endogenous opioid release and conditioned pain modulation. Preliminary research has shown that higher relative BFR pressures are more effective than lower pressures, and the effects from a single exercise may last up to 24 hours.
BFR for Tendon and Bone BFR with low-intensity resistance exercise has yielded similar increases in tendon cross-sectional area and stiffness when compared with high-intensity resistance exercise. Similarly, physiological markers for bone adaptation increase with BFR and high-intensity exercise, and recent evidence has demonstrated a sparing effect of bone loss if BFR is used post surgery.
BFR and Effects on Pain
The mechanisms driving BFR’s effects on analgesia may involve endogenous opioid release and conditioned pain modulation. Preliminary research has shown that higher relative BFR pressures are more effective than lower pressures, and the effects from a single exercise may last up to 24 hours.
BFR for Tendon and Bone BFR with low-intensity resistance exercise has yielded similar increases in tendon cross-sectional area and stiffness when compared with high-intensity resistance exercise. Similarly, physiological markers for bone adaptation increase with BFR and high-intensity exercise, and recent evidence has demonstrated a sparing effect of bone loss if BFR is used post surgery.