Blood flow restriction (BFR) training started out in Japan and flew under the radar for decades before gaining popularity in recent years, according to researcher Jamie Burr, an associate professor of human health and nutritional sciences at the University of Guelph. An athlete wears bands restricting blood flow to their legs while working out. The technique is being used by some athletes at Tokyo 2020, and by members of Canada's rugby team after injuries. She said the rugby team doesn't use it for general training because the benefits are minimal compared to traditional weight training. Dr. Christopher Raynor says he's skeptical that blood flow resistance training works for athletes who aren't recovering from an injury.

Source: CBC News August 01, 2021 07:52 UTC