Featured peer-reviewed BFR research

Strength and Conditioning Journal (NSCA) · 2020

Emerging evidence indicates that low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an effective strategy to increase muscular adaptations. Yet, it remains questionable as to whether combining BFR with traditional resistance training can potentiate hypertrophic adaptations. This article provides an evidence-based review of current research on the topic, including underlying mechanisms of BFR training, and draws practical conclusions as to how BFR can be applied by physique athletes to optimize increases in muscle mass.

• hypertrophy
• physique

Strength and Conditioning Journal (NSCA) · 2020

Emerging evidence indicates low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an effective strategy to increase muscular adaptations when performed during resistance training. Yet, it remains questionable as to whether combining BFR with traditional aerobic training can preserve or perhaps even potentiate hypertrophic adaptations. This article provides an evidence-based review of current research on the topic and draws practical conclusions as to how BFR can be applied by physique athletes to optimize increases in muscle mass.

• aerobic
• body composition

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports · 2021

Low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction is an emerging type of exercise recognition worldwide. This systematic review evaluated the effects of low-intensity resistance exercise performed with concurrent blood flow restriction (LIRE-BFR) on acute and chronic measures of arterial stiffness in humans.

• arterial stiffness
• systematic review

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences · 2021

There are likely some perceived barriers that practitioners must overcome to effectively implement this modality into practice. These barriers include determining BFR training pressures, access to appropriate BFR training technologies for relevant demographics based on the current evidence, a comprehensive and systematic approach to medical screening for safe practice, and strategies to mitigate excessive perceptual demands of BFR training to foster long-term compliance. This manuscript discusses each of these barriers and provides evidence-based strategies and direction to guide clinical practice and future research.

• clinical implementation
• screening

Strength and Conditioning Journal (NSCA) · 2021

Comparison of blood flow restriction devices and their effect on quadriceps muscle activation

Letter to the editor addressing the methodology and conclusions of a comparison study between blood flow restriction devices and their effect on quadriceps muscle activation during low-load resistance exercise.

• devices
• EMG

Letter to the editor on a systematic review and meta-analysis · 2021

Letter on the effectiveness of blood-flow restricted resistance training in the musculoskeletal rehabilitation of patients with lower limb disorders

Letter to the editor addressing methodology, inclusion criteria, and clinical-implementation conclusions in a published systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of BFR-restricted resistance training in the musculoskeletal rehabilitation of patients with lower limb disorders.

• lower limb
• rehab