Emerging evidence indicates that low load blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an effective strategy to increase muscular adaptations. Yet, it remains questionable as to whether combining BFR with traditional resistance training can potentiate hypertrophic adaptations. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence-based review of current research on the topic including underlying mechanisms of BFR training and draw practical conclusions as to how BFR can be applied by physique athletes to optimize increases in muscle mass.

Emerging evidence indicates low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an effective strategy to increase muscular adaptations when performed during resistance training. Yet, it remains questionable as to whether combining BFR with traditional aerobic training can preserve or perhaps even potentiate hypertrophic adaptations. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence-based review of current research on the topic and draw practical conclusions as to how BFR can be applied by physique athletes to optimize increases in muscle mass.

Low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction exercise is an emerging type of exercise recognition worldwide. This systematic review evaluated the effects of low-intensity resistance exercise performed with concurrent blood flow restriction (LIRE-BFR) on acute and chronic measures of arterial stiffness in humans.

There are likely some perceived barriers that practitioners must overcome to effectively implement this modality into practice. These barriers include determining BFR training pressures, access to appropriate BFR training technologies for relevant demographics based on the current evidence, a comprehensive and systematic approach to medical screening for safe practice and strategies to mitigate excessive perceptual demands of BFR training to foster long-term compliance. This manuscript attempts to discuss each of these barriers and provides evidence-based strategies and direction to guide clinical practice and future research.