What is the minimum frequency of treatment for blood flow restriction therapy?

Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy is a technique that involves the application of a pressure cuff to a limb during exercise to reduce venous return while allowing arterial inflow. The goal of BFR therapy is to enhance muscle hypertrophy and strength with lighter loads, which is beneficial in rehabilitation and for individuals unable to perform high-load training.

The minimum frequency of treatment for BFR therapy is typically recommended to be at least twice a week. This frequency allows for adequate stimulus to the involved muscle groups while also providing sufficient time for recovery. Engaging in BFR therapy at this frequency has been shown in clinical studies to effectively promote muscle growth and strength gains without the risks associated with high-load training.

Training once a week would not provide enough stimulus to maximize the benefits of the therapy, while training three times a week or every day may increase the risk of overtraining or insufficient recovery time between sessions. Therefore, the recommendation of at least two times a week strikes a balance between effective training stimulus and recovery.