The Game-Changing Uses of KAATSU

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The use of light weights, resulting in the enlargement of skeletal muscle, was previously unheard of before KAATSU. It is the primary reason KAATSU is utilized in various fields, including medicine, competitive sports, physical therapy, the military, and aerospace medicine.

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

What Makes KAATSU or Blood Flow Restriction Training Different?

Before KAATSU, the only way to increase muscle size was through high-intensity training or lifting heavy weights.  Heavy loads are rarely used in physical therapy, and most elderly individuals are not particularly enthusiastic about barbell training.

KAATSU also thickens the bones, increases the elasticity of blood vessels, and strengthens 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, numerous devices are now available on the market that utilize the principles of BFR. They can range from a $20-$30 elastic band with a clamp that you can purchase on Amazon to a pneumatic strap similar to a blood pressure cuff, which can be inflated manually, like the EDGE Restriction System, or electronically, like Smart Cuffs.

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

Uses and Advantages of KAATSU Training

Sports and Athletics

1. KAATSU is highly effective for warm-ups and recovery from intense workouts.
2. Since maximum hypertrophy is achieved using low weights, this prevents muscle tearing and joint injuries, allowing 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 muscle size imbalances.
5. Any human activity, such as pitching a baseball, utilizes a set of muscles that work together as a team. The individual muscles require proportionate strength and must contract in a specific sequence to execute a movement. Training with KAATSU bands enables athletes to refine their form while simultaneously increasing muscle size.  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 a 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 heavy weights.

Beauty and Cosmetic Uses

1. KAATSU enhances the elasticity of the blood vessels beneath the skin, helping to 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 workouts or even going 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 of 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 typical physical therapy session, the low intensity of the exercises is insufficient to increase HGH release and stimulate Type 2 muscle fibers. With KAATSU, both Type I and Type II fibers increase in size, thereby preventing 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 helpful tool for cardiac rehabilitation

   

Elderly Population

The loss of muscle mass typically begins in the 30s for everyone. 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 many health conditions related to agin,g like hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure

For the elderly, using weights as light as a 1- to 2-pound dumbbell can have the same muscle-building effect as a 10 to 20-pound 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 are seen with no impact or low-intensity exercises. No need for jump squats or burpees.
5. Grandma will get more out of Zumba.
6. It improves the condition of the blood vessels throughout the body. Better blood vessels maintain organ functions.
7. Faster healing of the joints and increased physical activity help alleviate the aches and pains associated 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 enhances the potential and confidence to engage in further physical activity. The problem with a sedentary lifestyle is that it leads to a loss of muscle mass, deconditioning, and decreased motivation to be physically active.  This leads to more inactivity. Once the muscle size and strength are increased, it reverses the vicious cycle by enhancing the ability to move and perform exercises that can lead to further muscle growth, thereby breaking the cycle.
9. Metabolic Syndrome – KAATSU tackles the five criteria that comprise the metabolic syndrome. The increase in muscle fiber size improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, burns visceral fat (reducing obesity), and lowers triglyceride levels. Softer, more compliant blood vessels lower blood pressure, and physical activity increases HDL, which helps clean atherosclerosis from the arteries.

Benefits of 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 enhances vascular elasticity in an injured limb before a procedure.
3. It helps relieve minor aches and pains, requiring less analgesic use and faster mobilization postoperatively, to minimize complications such as pneumonia and bedsores.
4. The increase in growth hormone facilitates faster recovery from tissue trauma following surgery.

Space Travel

1. KAATSU helps prevent the loss of muscle mass and bone density during space travel.
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 rehabilitation facility, a sports organization, or using the device 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 their 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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