Bridging (conflicting) research & practical application

Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is currently a hot topic around the world. This lecture is for rehabilitation professionals who want to understand the power and science behind BFR and how it can be applied within the injured population. You will learn to recognize an indication, as well as getting insights in the latest evidence to apply it safely and objectively in the rehabilitation of your patients with an ACL pathology. 

Blood Flow Restriction Training is a form of strength and endurance training in which significant gains can be achieved at low intensity and low external mechanical load. Thus, the general indication of BFR training is when load capacity is reduced due to injury, surgery (where tissue repair must be respected) or pain, and the high-intensity training that is appropriate for maintaining and/or building muscle strength and mass is therefore not possible. A cuff is applied as close as possible to the hip or shoulder joint. Afterward, the "Limb Occlusion Pressure" is measured with a Doppler or automatic device and then certain concepts will be applied to a well-considered percentage of this pressure in order to establish an optimal training program. Here, veins are completely occluded and arteries undergo only partial restriction.

Blood Flow Restriction Training originated in Japan and was recognized in 2018 as an American physical therapist specialty. More and more sports physicians and orthopedic surgeons are referring to the physical therapist for the application of BFRT. In the coming years, BFRT will play an important role in the rehabilitation of athletes, as well as in daily rehabilitation.

The lack of knowledge and experience is a major problem as the demand for BFR is increasing worldwide. The combination of theoretical and practical aspects ensures that after attending this lecture you will have meaningful insights in how to apply BFR to bring them back to their desired level in their sports or daily activities as quickly and optimally as possible. The value of BFR Training in ACL will be discussed, detailed by bridging conflicting research and practical application.

Objectives:
• The student has knowledge of the physiological effects and mechanisms of BFRT
• Based on the latest scientific literature, practical insights and clinical relevance, the student will be able to recognize the indications when Blood Flow Restriction Training can add value in the rehabilitation of the patient with an ACL pathology.