I had someone ask me a question about KAATSU and its effects on bone. There’ve been so many articles and research papers I’ve read, sometimes it’s hard to find what I think I remember reading. Here are a few papers that have demonstrated the effects of low-intensity exercise and KAATSU/BFR on bone.
Effect of blood flow restriction during low-intensity resistance training on bone markers and physical functions in postmenopausal women (link here)
Finding: “LIBFR (low-intensity BFR) significantly increased bone formation marker (P1NP) about 7.05 ng/ml”
Acute effects of the resistance exercise associated with different blood flow restriction pressures on bone remodeling biomarkers (link here)
Finding: “Protocols with BFR . . . were more effective than RE (resistance exercise) alone to induce PTH peaks, and to promote a metabolic condition favorable to bone anabolism.”
Effects of blood flow restriction exercises on bone metabolism: a systematic review (link here)
Finding: “Thus, this technique (BFR) is a feasible and applicable alternative to many population groups (elderly, young, physically active or not), that aim to treat or slow up the effects of bone diseases.”
Effects of a single bout of low intensity KAATSU resistance training on markers of bone turnover in young men (link here)
Finding: “A single bout of KAATSU training resulted in the bone resoption marker (NTx) but had no effect on the bone formation marker (BAP)”
It is important to note these studies all refer to exercise, combined with KAATSU, that produces the positive results. KAATSU boosts the physiological impact of light intensity exercise, creating better physical results than one would get from light intensity exercise alone. There are potential benefits to bone health that could come from using KAATSU passively (i.e. without exercise) through its effect of improving vascular elasticity, which helps improve circulation to all tissues. Bone tissue also needs a good blood supply, so anything that improves the health of the cardiovascular system is going to have a positive effect on bone as circulation improves, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
So, in case you’re wondering whether KAATSU will have a positive effect on bones, just remember this article! That is, if you can remember anything after this St. Patrick’s Day night. Be safe, everyone 🙂