Hi, I‘m Chris Gaviglio creator of the Sports Rehab Tourniquet. BFR Radio is a podcast dedicated to discuss all things relating to Blood Flow Restriction, occlusion cuff, ischemic and KAATSU training. It also reaches out to users of BFR to see what they are doing in the training field. For more info visit https://www.thebfr.co
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Hi, I‘m Chris Gaviglio creator of the Sports Rehab Tourniquet. BFR Radio is a podcast dedicated to discuss all things relating to Blood Flow Restriction, occlusion cuff, ischemic and KAATSU training. It also reaches out to users of BFR to see what they are doing in the training field. For more info visit https://www.thebfr.co
Enhancing Cardiovascular Fitness with 2 Weeks of BFR Walking in Athletes
BFR Radio
20 minutes 51 seconds
6 months ago
Enhancing Cardiovascular Fitness with 2 Weeks of BFR Walking in Athletes
In this episode of BFR Radio, we explore a fascinating training study that challenges conventional thinking around aerobic development. Can low-speed walking combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) significantly improve endurance capacity — even in already trained athletes?
We dive into the research by Park et al., where trained male basketball players performed just two weeks of low-intensity BFR walking. The results? Remarkable improvements in VO₂max, cardiovascular efficiency, and ventilatory capacity — all without high training loads.
Whether you're a coach, rehab specialist, or athlete, this episode offers a compelling case for using BFR walking as a low-impact, time-efficient, and performance-enhancing conditioning tool.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
📚 Background and context from early BFR-walking studies (Abe et al., 2006)
🏋️♂️ Full breakdown of the Park et al. protocol, including pressures, session structure, and frequency
📈 The surprising physiological adaptations observed in just 14 days
💡 Practical applications: from rehab to in-season support and off-season recovery
🧠 How to integrate BFR walking into a real-world weekly training program
💡 Key Takeaways:
VO₂max increased by 11.6% in just two weeks
Stroke volume ↑ 21.4%, heart rate ↓ ~13%
Excellent option for injured, in-season, or travelling athletes
Can be programmed in short, low-stress sessions (e.g., 15–20 mins)
🧰 Resources & Links:
Visit: www.thebfr.co to learn more or purchase your own BFR cuffs
Follow us on Instagram: @thebfr.co
Contact Chris via the website or DM for programming support
Listen to our previous BFR + aerobic training episodes in the podcast archive
BFR Radio
Hi, I‘m Chris Gaviglio creator of the Sports Rehab Tourniquet. BFR Radio is a podcast dedicated to discuss all things relating to Blood Flow Restriction, occlusion cuff, ischemic and KAATSU training. It also reaches out to users of BFR to see what they are doing in the training field. For more info visit https://www.thebfr.co