Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) and Achilles Tendinopathy

Jul 16

1 min read

Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) and Achilles Tendinopathy

BFRT is a lower-load path to recovery when heavy resistance training is too painful or when progress has plateaued.

The study that tested BFRT

A 2021 study investigated the effects of BFRT on Achilles tendon thickness by comparing exercise protocols.

52 participants were split into three groups: low-intensity resistance exercise (LI), high-intensity resistance exercise (HI), and low-intensity resistance with BFR (LI-BFR).
Only the LI-BFR group showed significant reductions in Achilles tendon thickness, measured immediately after exercise, at 60 minutes, and at 24 hours.
The HI and LI groups alone produced no measurable change.
Cuff pressure was set at 30% of individual occlusion pressure.

Overall, the research supports BFRT as a promising adjunct for Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation.

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