Blood flow restricted exercise and skeletal muscle health

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2009 Apr;37(2):78-85. doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e31819c2e5c.

Abstract

For nearly half a century, high mechanical loading and mechanotransduction pathways have guided exercise recommendations for inducing muscle hypertrophy. However, emerging research on low-intensity exercise with blood flow restriction challenges this paradigm. This article will describe the BFR exercise model and discuss its efficacy, potential mechanisms, and clinical viability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Electromyography
  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / etiology*
  • Ischemia / complications*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Muscle Strength*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Stress, Mechanical