Course Description:

Traditional low intensity exercises and modalities applied in a rehabilitation setting don't cause enough stress to offset the effects of decreased stress or disuse also known as anabolic resistance. The use of Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (PBFR) can enhance the effects of the low intensity exercises that are commonly used. The applied vascular restriction recreates the anaerobic environment typically created when lifting heavy weight. The research would suggest that 20-40 % of an individual's 1 rep max can mimic some of the effects seen with 70-80 % 1RM. This presentation aims to educate attendees on the physiologic effects of decreased stress to muscle and why it's imperative to have better strategies to combat these effects and the role that PBFR might play. The presentation will also cover safety, parameters for application, and clinical reasoning concepts for optimal use as well as touching on how this might help bridge the gap back to higher intensities of exercise or be used to improve performance. The application of PBFR as an adjunct to traditional therapy can be a safe and effective strategy to enhance the effects of low intensity exercise and improve outcomes across a broad spectrum of populations.