A fairly new development in the field of bodybuilding, today we discuss whether occlusion training is effective. Occlusion training is when weight training with restricted blood flow, usually by bands/straps/wraps on a selected muscle group.
Researchers from United Kingdom Sports Centre in London tested the theory with pressure set on the occlusion cuff to 180 millibars of mercury.
They squatted, bench pressed and did pull ups at 70% of maximum effort and actually increased each of the tested lifts.
This could mean that occlusion training could be useful at increasing strength (and so possibly muscle) whilst reducing overall loads lifted needed to increase strength.
Taken from International Journal Physiology and Performance, April 2013.
