October 8, 2021

How do we use Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in the clinic? 

The protocol we follow utilizes the method in which we take approximately 20-30% of the patient’s estimated one-repetition maximum and give them 3-5 exercises targeted toward their impairments to perform. The patient will then complete three rounds of the exercises, working for 20-30 repetitions, and resting for 30 seconds. Our goal for each set is to reach significant fatigue/failure. An example of this would be a patient who is postoperative for an ACL reconstruction. The patient’s BFR program may look like the following. 

• Straight Leg Raise 3x 20-30 repetitions
• Hip Abduction 3x 20-30 repetitions
• Squats 3x 20-30 repetitions
• Step-Ups 3x 20-30 repetitions 

If you are interested in learning more about blood flow restriction, reach out to us at Portland Physical Therapy (207-828-445) to schedule a consultation.

Citations

Kilgas MA, Lytle LLM, Drum SN, Elmer SJ. Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction to Improve Quadriceps Function Long After ACL Reconstruction. Int J Sports Med. 2019;40(10):650-656. doi:10.1055/a-0961-1434

Dankel SJ, Jessee MB, Abe T, Loenneke JP. The Effects of Blood Flow Restriction on Upper-Body Musculature Located Distal and Proximal to Applied Pressure. Sports Med. 2016;46(1):23-33. doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0407-7

Clarkson MJ, Conway L, Warmington SA. Blood flow restriction walking and physical function in older adults: A randomized control trial. J Sci Med Sport. 2017;20(12):1041-1046. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.04.012