Frontiers in Physiology (May 2019)

Blood Flow Restriction Exercise: Considerations of Methodology, Application, and Safety

  • Stephen D. Patterson,
  • Luke Hughes,
  • Stuart Warmington,
  • Jamie Burr,
  • Brendan R. Scott,
  • Johnny Owens,
  • Takashi Abe,
  • Jakob L. Nielsen,
  • Cleiton Augusto Libardi,
  • Gilberto Laurentino,
  • Gabriel Rodrigues Neto,
  • Christopher Brandner,
  • Juan Martin-Hernandez,
  • Jeremy Loenneke

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00533
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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The current manuscript sets out a series of guidelines for blood flow restriction exercise, focusing on the methodology, application and safety of this mode of training. With the emergence of this technique and the wide variety of applications within the literature, the aim of this review is to set out a current research informed guide to blood flow restriction training to practitioners. This covers the use of blood flow restriction to enhance muscular strength and hypertrophy via training with resistance and aerobic exercise and preventing muscle atrophy using the technique passively. The authorship team for this article was selected from the researchers focused in blood flow restriction training research with expertise in exercise science, strength and conditioning and sports medicine.

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