Blood Flow Restriction During Exercise Does Not Damage Muscles

Many Studies, notably those by Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo, have shown that blood flow restriction during weight training (Kaatsu training) increases muscle strength even at loads as low as 30 percent of one repetition maximum. A literature review by Jeremy Loenneke from the University of Oklahoma and colleagues concluded that blood flow restriction training caused no prolonged decreases in muscle function, prolonged swelling or increased blood markers of muscle damage or inflammation. Muscle soreness was similar to non-occluded exercise. Blood flow restriction exercise does not increase the incidence of muscle damage. (Scandinavian Journal Medicine Science Sports, 24: e415-e422, 2014)