What is blood flow restriction (BFR)? What patients can I use this for and in what ways? Is it safe? These are some of the common questions surrounding the usage of BFR in a rehabilitation setting. BFR is an increasingly popular way to promote strength gains with current literature providing evidence supporting its use in select patient populations. Current training guidelines recommend resistance training at 60-80% of an individual's one repetition maximum (RM) in order to induce muscle hypertrophy and improve strength. However, achieving adequate levels of resistance may be contraindicated and dangerous in many post-operative or elderly patients. Inadequate strengthening and exercise loads can lead to lack of desired outcomes. This program will inform clinicians on the uses and benefits of BFR in the rehabilitation setting, including safety recommendations and guidelines. It will provide a review of the current literature surrounding this modality, debunk myths, and assist clinicians in determining whether its use is indicated for their patients.
