The Game-Changing Uses of KAATSU

The use of light weights resulting in the enlargement of the skeletal muscle was unheard of before KAATSU. It is the main reason that KAATSU is being used in different fields like medicine, competitive sports, physical therapy, military, and aerospace medicine.

The combination of training with lightweight and Blood flow restriction (BFR) in  KAATSU increases the metabolic stress that leads to an increase in the secretion of anabolic hormones like the human growth hormone (HGH), testosterone and other growth factors.

What Makes KAATSU or Blood Flow Restriction Training Different?

Before KAATSU, the only way to increase muscle size is to do high-intensity training or by lifting hefty weights.  Heavy loads are rarely done in physical therapy, and most of the elderly are not particularly gung-ho about barbel training.

KAATSU also thickens the bones, increases the elasticity of the blood vessels,  and strengthens the ligaments and tendons. The systemic improvement of the blood supply assures healthy organs.

Many Kinds of Blood Flow Restriction Devices

Due to its tremendous success, many devices are now on the market that applies the principles of BFR. They can range from a $20 – $30 elastic band with a clamp that you can get in Amazon to a pneumatic strap similar to a blood pressure cuff that can be inflated manually like the EDGE Restriction System or electronically like Smart Cuffs.

However, since the KAATSU  system from Japan is the one who began the BFR concept, and it has the track record as the most researched system and is used worldwide. It is safe, effective, and the most common uses are listed below.

Uses and Advantages of KAATSU Training

Sports and Athletics

1. KAATSU is highly efficient for warm-up and recovery from hard workouts.
2. Since maximum hypertrophy is obtained using low weights,  this prevents muscle tearing and joint injuries and allows for faster recovery.
3. No injuries mean no missed training thus maintaining a high level of athletic performance
4. The application of different pressures on the extremity allows for corrections of imbalances in muscle size.
5. Any human activity like pitching a baseball uses a set of muscles that work as a team. The individual muscles need proportionate strength and have to contract in a particular sequence to execute a movement. Training with KAATSU bands allows athletes to practice their form and increase their muscle size at the same time.  In contrast, training with a bench press does not replicate the movement of throwing a baseball or a jump shot.  
6. When used after practice or game, there is faster healing of the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Less time in the ice bath and speedier recovery.
7. For the weekend athlete, KAATSU can be used in the office, hotel, gym, or home. Anywhere and anytime.
8. Overall, KAATSU can improve any human activity or sport, whether it is golfing, basketball, baseball, or swimming.
9. People with abdominal or groin hernia can build up muscles without lifting heavyweights.

Beauty and Cosmetic Uses

1. KAATSU increases the elasticity of the blood vessels underneath the skin to help reduce wrinkles, varicose veins, and cellulite.
2. Working out can be done anywhere, even at the office desk, without perspiration.
3. It is a time-saver because there is no need for extended work-outs or even go to the gym.
4. If used before going to sleep, the secretion of the rejuvenating growth hormone will be further increased for faster body repair while asleep.
5. The KAATSU Air Bands can be used with other exercises like yoga, pilates, aerobics, dancing, and isometric exercises for the added benefits to muscle toning and strength training. The secretion of growth hormone and testosterone should not turn the ladies into “the Hulk” because the anabolic hormone dose released is physiologic and subject to negative feedback.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

1. KAATSU makes physical therapy more effective and provides faster  healing after injuries of the musculoskeletal system
2. Prevents muscle atrophy in someone who is bed-bound, limited to a wheelchair, or is in a cast or sling.
3. KAATSU can be done in a hospital, a physical therapy facility in conjunction with other rehabilitation equipment, and at home.
4. During a usual physical therapy, the low intensity of the exercises are not sufficient to increase HGH release and to stimulate the Type 2 muscle fibers. With KAATSU, both Types I and Type 2 fibers increase in size and thus prevents muscle atrophy and further weakness.
5. It helps relieve minor aches and pains, resulting in less need for pain medications. Less sedation from narcotics means more ambulation and faster recovery.
6. KAATSU can increase muscle mass in patients with ischemic heart disease making it a useful tool for cardiac rehabilitation

   

Elderly Population

The loss of muscle mass starts in the 30s in everybody. Ultimately it leads to  Sarcopenia in old age. The contributing factors are inactivity, decreased Type 2 muscle fibers,  and lower growth hormone levels. Sarcopenia is associated with the many health conditions related to aging like hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure

For the elderly, using weights as light as a 1to 2 pound dumbbell can have the same muscle-building effect as a 10 to 20 lb dumbbell. The other advantages for the elderly are:

1. No need to change clothes or put on gym wear.
2. No need to break a sweat.
3. No need to learn complex lifting exercises that need coordination.
4. Significant increases in growth hormones using no impact or low-intensity exercises. No need for jump squats or burpees.
5. Grandma will get more out of Zumba.
6. As it improves the conditions of the blood vessels all over the body. Better blood vessels maintain organ functions
7. Faster healing of the joints and increase physical activity helps decrease the aches and pains that come with old age. Lessening the need for analgesics that may cause gastrointestinal bleeding (aspirin, ibuprofen) or lethargy and constipation with subsequent inactivity as seen in opiate analgesics. Constipation is a common reason for emergency room visits.
8. The increase in muscle size and strength increases the potential and confidence to further physical activity. The problem with a sedentary lifestyle is that it leads to loss of muscle mass and deconditioning and decreased ambition to move around.  This leads to more inactivity. Once the muscle size and strength are increased, it reverses the vicious cycle by increasing the ability to move and perform exercises that can lead to more muscle growth, thus turning around the vicious cycle.
9. Metabolic Syndrome – KAATSU tackles the five criteria that comprise the metabolic syndrome. The increase in the muscle fiber size improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, burns the visceral fat (reduces obesity), and lowers triglycerides. Softer, more compliant blood vessels lower the blood pressure, and activity increases HDL that cleans up atherosclerosis from the arteries.

Benefits with the Use of KAATSU Before and After Surgery

1. When used before surgery, KAATSU improves performance status by improving physical strength. Better performance status leads to better outcomes.
2. KAATSU improves vascular elasticity in an injured limb before a procedure.
3. It helps relieve small aches and pains requiring less analgesic use and faster mobilization postoperatively to minimize complications like pneumonia and bedsores.
4. The increase in the growth hormone makes a recovery faster from tissue trauma from surgery.

Space Travel

1. KAATSU prevents the loss of muscle mass and bone density while in space.
2. Prevents cardiovascular deconditioning associated with weightlessness

The Design of the KAATSU Devices Makes it Very Easy to Use

There are different KAATSU devices available. Whether the end-user is a hospital, a rehab facility, a sports organization, or for personal use, there is a matching device.

The devices are light, portable, and convenient to use. Each unit has touch screens, computerized compressors, and pneumatic elastic bands. The pressures applied are specific for each individual and needs.

The Air Bands are waterproof and can be unhooked from the main pressurizers during the therapy. Even if untethered, the Air Bands maintain the blood flow restriction, thus allowing the user mobility.

KAATSU may be known worldwide, but it is not yet universal. Maybe you will be the first to use it in your area.

Further readings:

1. The Story of KAATSU. The Incredible Technique for Muscle Toning and Hypertrophy
2. The Science of KAATSU Training
3. Precautions in KAATSU or Blood Flow Restriction Training
4. Sarcopenia: The Scourge of Aging
5. The Metabolic Syndrome
6. The Sedentary Life
7. Why do You Need an Excellent Performance Status?
8. How to Do Intermittent Fasting
9. Why Do Bellies Bloat?
10. Can You be Skinny and Obese?

References:

1. T. Nakajima, M. Kurano, F. Sakagami, H. Iida, K. Fukumura, T. Fukuda, H. Takano, H. Madarame, T. Yasuda, T. Nagata, Y. Sato, T., Yamasoba, T. Morita. Effects of low-intensity KAATSU resistance training on skeletal muscle size/strength and endurance capacity in patients with ischemic heart disease. International Journal of KAATSU Training Research, 2010, Volume 6, Issue 1, Pages 1-7, Released June 01, 2011
2. Masahiro Horiuchi, Koichi Okita. Blood Flow Restricted Exercise and Vascular Function. Int J Vasc Med. 2012; 2012: 543218. Published online 2012 Oct 22. doi: 10.1155/2012/543218 PMCID: PMC3485988
3. Kubota, N. & Takano, Harumasa & Tsutsumi, Takeshi & Kurano, M. & Iida, Hidetoshi & Yasuda, Tomohiro & Meguro, Kimiro & Morita, T. & Sato, Yasushi & Kawashima, S. & Yamazaki, Y. & Ohshima, H.. (2008). Resistance exercise combined with KAATSU during simulated weightlessness. International Journal of Kaatsu Training Research. 4. 9-15. 10.3806/ijktr.4.9.

Image Credits: KAATSU Master Cycle and KAATSU Cycle 2.0 from kaatsu-global.com

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