![]() Lifting heavier weights has been shown to be safe in the geriatric population but for some it may not be the best option. Muscle wasting has been linked to a loss of independence and increased mortality. The old adage, “if you don’t use it, you lose it” holds true for our muscles if we don’t give them a reason to stay, they will quickly leave. > What Technology Are Surgeons Most Excited About? Muscle loss is one of the biggest problems a physical therapist faces when treating patients, which is a common problem in the geriatric population. Using BFR with light weight training while an injury heals or before and after surgery can be very effective and complies with post surgical lifting precautions while preventing muscle loss and even building strength. Activity reduction is common after a spine injury or surgery, which opens the door for muscle loss to occur. ![]() Who Can Benefit From BFR Training?īFR training experts are in agreement that whenever possible, traditional heavy weight training is best to optimize muscular development and BFR should be introduced when loading heavy is not ideal. This slows down muscle loss and promotes muscle growth and strength. Gaining muscle by just walking with a BFR tourniquet on is something to be excited about! During the workout the tourniquet causes a blood pooling effect and increases muscle fiber recruitment that stimulates beneficial growth factors and hormones to the area. Research has also shown significant improvements of lower extremity strength, muscle volume, and functional outcome measures when used during a BFR walking program. What makes BFR so unique is that using a light load or even body weight is all that is needed to have similar effects as lifting a heavy load. BFR Trainingĭuring BFR training a tourniquet is placed on the upper thigh or arm that is set at an individualized pressure to mimic the hypoxic (reduced oxygen) environment that occurs with exercise. Now BFR is found in general orthopedic rehab facilities and hospital settings due to the undeniable benefits established through extensive research. It has since become popular with professional athletes, Jadeveon Clowney being the first NFL player to use it in 2015 after a lower leg injury. The Department of Defense later had success using it on military personnel after limb salvage procedures, traumatic blast injuries and general orthopedic surgeries such as ACL reconstruction. Sato eventually patented the technology, termed “KAATSU” (“additional pressure”) training. Reality: Q&A About the Spine You See on TVĪfter years of investigation and experiments to develop this pressurization technique, Dr. Sato spent a prolonged amount of time sitting in a traditional Japanese posture and noticed his lower leg muscles were swollen as if he had done a hard workout. When light lifting is combined wit blood flow restriction, the body responds with similar muscle growth and strength gains as seen with heavy weight lifting. In BFR training, blood flow to specific muscles is restricted by pressure, which recreates the same environment caused by heavy lifting. ![]() > The Very Best Pillows for Side Sleepers Weight training by heavy lifting may not be an option to many different groups of people: the injured, those having undergone recent surgery, those with medical conditions that put them at risk for injury, the elderly, and the list goes on and on. During heavy lifting, there is a reduction of oxygen delivery to the muscles that stimulates the body to respond in ways that ultimately lead to muscle growth. Traditionally, muscle training to gain strength was done by progressively lifting heavier weights over time. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is rapidly gaining in popularity in the rehab setting, but what exactly is BFR and how can it benefit you? Consider these two simple concepts: (1) to maintain muscles, we must use them and (2) to gain muscle strength, we must train them.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |