Blood Flow Restriction (BRF) Training

Question 1

Sub-occlusive pressures with exercise for upper limb & lower limb

Answer 1

Upper limb: 50%
Lower limb: 80%

Question 2

How occluded is arterial flow & venous return for blood flow restriction training

Answer 2

• arterial flow is partially occluded
• venous return is fully occluded

Question 3

Exercise parameters for blood flow restriction

Answer 3

• 3 to 5 exercises per session
• set scheme: 30/15/15/15
• 2 second concentric & 2 second eccentric phase
• 30 second rest break with 1 minute between exercises

Question 4

Contraindications for blood flow restriction

Answer 4

• DVT active or history
• impaired circulation/peripheral vascular compromise
• open fracture/soft tissue injury
• cancer/lymphecotmies active
• severe hypertension
• pregnancy

Question 5

Blood flow restriction training compares to heavy lifting loads

Answer 5

• BFR at low loads (20-30% 1RM) can significantly increase strength & hypertrophy in a similar way to lifting heavy (80% 1 RM)

Question 6

Purposed mechanisms of blood flow restriction training

Answer 6

• metabolic stress
• increased muscle activity
• hormonal changes
• increase progenitor cells
• increased protein synthesis