Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training involves the application of a cuff or tourniquet proximal to the muscle(s) that are targeted to train or strengthen. The cuff or cuffs are inflated to a pressure to partially occlude arterial and venous flow. 

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This enables the muscle(s) to be trained at a lower intensity than usual training (10-30% of 1 repetition max) whilst achieving the same gains in muscle hypertrophy and muscle strength as higher intensity or loads. 

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This is an extremely valuable method of training in populations where high intensity or high load training is not possible such as post-operatively, chronic pain conditions or painful joint conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

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Short duration, low intensity BFR training of 4-6 weeks has resulted in a 10 - 20% increase in muscle strength and is similar to strength gains resulting from high-intensity exercise without BFR.

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