Five fast facts about Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training in neurological conditions
1. First, let’s explain what BFR training involves!
BFR training involves wearing a very fancy, pressurised cuff on your arm or leg, while doing exercise. Typically, the exercises performed are low-load strength training exercises, but you can also use BFR with aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling. Each time you pop the cuff on a limb, it is calibrated to determine the appropriate pressure to utilise for your exercise. Your exercise physiologist will set the training regime, and off you go!
2. Key benefits of BFR training
The effectiveness of BFR training is linked to starving the working muscles of oxygen, by restricting the blood flow coming both into and out of that limb. Without adequate oxygen, type 2 muscle fibres are recruited for exercise, even at low loads. Type 2 fibres are important for muscle strength and power, whereas Type 1 fibres support muscle endurance. People with neurological conditions are often unable to perform the high-load strength training needed to strengthen these type 2 fibres, but the use of BFR provides an avenue for this to occur.
The result = bigger and stronger muscles, and greater strength means better motor function for the activities that are most important to you.
In addition to muscle strength gains, BFR training has other great benefits. A recent study in people with Parkinson’s disease (Bane et al 2024) showed promising results in terms of effectiveness on non-motor symptoms such as autonomic function (reduced orthostatic hypotension ie when your blood pressure drops with standing up) and peripheral circulation.
3. Considerations for safe use of BFR
We will perform a comprehensive assessment relating to your general health and neurological condition. If there are any concerns, we will collaborate with your GP or specialist to determine if BFR can be performed safely. Wearing the cuff while exercising can be uncomfortable in the early phases, but you will quickly get used to it, and we will progress your program accordingly.
4. How long will it take to see positive effects?
Research in people with neurological conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, stroke, inclusion body myositis and spinal cord injury has shown positive outcomes with BFR training 2-3x per week over 4-6 week periods (Jonsson et al 2024). As well as our exercise physiologists, we have a therapy assistant certified in BFR use, so that we can deliver these more intensive programs with the most efficient use of your funding (whether this is through a funding body or privately).
5. How can I get started?
New and existing clients can make an appointment with Brad Anderson (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) to complete an assessment and discuss your suitability in more detail. You can self-refer, or speak to your doctor first. Get in touch on 03 4207 0279 or take a look at our BFR handout for more information.
