Your overview to understanding 3 categories of BFR bands
When looking at the available blood flow restriction (BFR) bands on the market, there are many types to choose from. What many don’t realize is that the band design will drive decisions when it comes to proper application of BFR bands. Take a look at the infographic below as there are three general categories that all bands can fall under. There are multiple subcategories that can be established as well, but let’s start here.
As you can see in the infographic above, there are two different pneumatic categories and a non-pneumatic category. Pneumatic bands are BFR bands where air is put directly into the band to increase pressure placed into the tissue. Air can be directed into the band manually with a hand pump or electronically. It allows the user to precisely apply a specific amount of pressure into the BFR bands. Non-pneumatic bands are typically made of elastic and a fastening component to create restriction of blood flow when applied on the limb. Continue reading more to understand examples of each category.
Pneumatic: Not designed to occlude
This first category includes pneumatic bands such as B Strong and Kaatsu. These are bands that are flexible and narrow in design. Due to their unique design and proper application, these systems can be inflated to maximum pressures without causing full occlusion. Check out the video below to see how this takes place with B Strong.
With there being a high ceiling of safety created due to design, these systems do not require to use of a handheld doppler or electronic mechanism to determine limb occlusion pressure (LOP). The LOP is the minimal pressure required to stop the blood flow into the limb. These systems do not stop the blood flow into the limb even at their highest pressures, so it terminates the need to find an LOP. Pressures are established that are safe and tolerable to each user when this category of bands are used.
Pneumatic: Designed to occlude
The second category of pneumatic bands includes systems such as Delfi, Smart Cuffs, or SAGA Fitness. These bands are wider and more rigid in their design. They take on these characteristics as it takes less pressure to determine an LOP. Currently, most newer systems will automatically calculate LOP, without having to manually use a handheld doppler. You can see the video below for how this is conducted.
Determining LOP is just the first step, with this category of BFR bands. It ensures the upper limit of pressure is identified and then when the band is inflated for use with exercise it is set at a percentage below the upper limit. For the upper extremities 40-50% of LOP is commonly used and 60-80% for the lower extremities.
To safely use these BFR bands you do need to determine an LOP (either manually or with automatic mechanism). In doing so, you do need to briefly stop blood flow into the limb. Individual pressures are determined based on a percentage of the LOP to ensure that blood continues to move into and out of the limb while exercising.
Non-Pneumatic
The third category is a broad one that catches all BFR bands that aren’t inflated by putting air into a bladder. Some examples of non-pneumatic BFR bands include the BFR Bands Pro and Koala Bands. These bands come in a wide variety of widths and elastic properties. It can be challenging to determine an optimal level of restriction with bands of this category as the amount of pressure applied to the limb is made by feel. Research originally indicated that these types of BFR bands could used with a perceived tightness scale. The user would wrap the bands to 7 out of 10 perceived tightness prior to beginning exercise. More recently, this scale has since shown not to provide reliable estimates and can be inconsistent in establishing an appropriate pressure.
In Summary
Can you make blood flow restriction training work with BFR bands in any of the three categories? Yes.
Are there different safety considerations associated with each of the three categories? Yes.
Understanding how your BFR bands work and how the vascular system responds to those particular bands is the underlying principle. Selecting equipment that allows for an environment to be created that slows down blood flow, but ensures it continues to move through the limb is an important part of successful application.