Author(s): Spencer Luque
Mentor(s): Tyler Smith
Institution UTech
BFR study Abstract Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training has gained attention in rehabilitation, particularly in sports medicine. BFR involves the use of a cuff or tourniquet to partially restrict blood flow to a limb, creating a hypoxic (decreased blood flow) and ischemic (low-oxygen) environment. This technique induces beneficial physiological responses, such as increased muscle hypertrophy, strength, and improved recovery from injury or exercise, while using lower resistance loads than traditional high-intensity exercise. Preliminary studies suggest that BFR offers short-term pain relief by increasing pain tolerance. For patients with chronic pain who are often unable to perform high-load exercises due to discomfort, BFR provides an alternative approach that may offer similar benefits in terms of strength and recovery, without exacerbating injury. This paper aims to investigate the potential of BFR as a treatment for chronic pain by exploring its effects on both localized and systemic pain relief. While there is evidence suggesting BFR can reduce pain in specific situations, such as post-surgical recovery, the broader impact on persistent pain syndromes remains unclear. The physiological mechanisms of BFR, including hypoxia-induced changes in the endocrine and nervous systems, may contribute to pain modulation and potentially offer relief from generalized chronic pain. “Can BFR training be effectively utilized to alleviate pain in people with persistent pain syndromes?” The study will involve patients evaluated by physical therapists, who will be offered BFR as part of their pain management regimen. Participants will report pain levels using an analog scale at various acute intervals post-treatment. Additional follow-up for pain reports at 1 month and 6 months post-episode of treatments will be obtained. By addressing the gap in current literature, this research aims to provide evidence for the long-term efficacy of BFR in managing persistent pain and contribute to the development of non-invasive pain management strategies.