Lactic Acid & Blood Flow Restriction Training

Conventionally, we use high resistance, 80% 1 RM, to increase muscle strength and muscle growth. The way we produce the energy to make these muscle contractions is via the Cori Cycle in the mitochondria of our cells. This process of ATP or energy production is created by using glucose (sugar) as the source of energy, and one of its byproducts of this process is lactate. This is an anaerobic process because oxygen can’t be metabolized fast enough when using fast twitch muscles. BFR produces the same effect as heavy resistance training by decreasing the O2 supply to the muscles. However, it does not have the deleterious effect of muscle damage as heavy resistance training does. This allows us to intervene earlier in the rehab process of post surgeries that have contraindications to protect the soft tissue repairs and allow healing to occur while still gaining strength. Takarada 2000 demonstrates an increase in lactate during BFR similar to high resistance training, and Sunberg 1995 also shows a significant decrease in glycogen depletion during BFR training similar to that of high resistance training .