Low intensity intervals with blood flow restriction

Resistance training with low weights and restricted blood flow, a technique known as Kaatsu training, increases strength and is especially valuable during a rehab phase.

A study led by Daeyeol Kim of the University of Oklahoma found that six weeks of low-intensity interval training (30 percent of maximum) performed on an ergometer in combination with blood flow restriction increased aerobic capacity, power output and knee flexion strength. The study used relatively untrained college students as subjects, so it is not clear whether this technique works for well-trained athletes.

(Journal Strength and Conditioning Research, published online September 25, 2015)