Podcast
Owens Recovery Science: BFR's Tip of the Spear
Hosted by Johnny Owens · EN
The ORS Podcast is your source for what's new and established in the blood flow restriction (BFR) literature. If you are a physical therapist, athletic trainer, occupational therapist, strength and conditioning specialist, physician, or just interested in exercise science, rest assured we'll cover some topics that will interest you.
If you're not sure what blood flow restriction training is, go all the way back to the beginning of our catalogue and work your way through. If you know BFR, jump around our episodes topically based on your interest. If we don't have anything that peaks your curiosity...reach out and we'll look at building an episode covering your interest.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
BFR & IPC for Performance, Rehab, and Health w/ Jamie Burr, PhD
2w ago01:06:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode Johnny and Kyle chat with Dr. Jamie Burr, Director of the Human Performance & Health Research Laboratory at the University of Guelph. During this podcast we discuss Dr. Burr and his lab’s work centering on ischemic preconditioning, and blood flow restriction exercise and how it can be used to address the exercise needs of the elite level athlete to person’s managing chronic disease like diabetes. We’re certain you’ll enjoy this chat! Here’s some of the information we discussed during the podcast: Pignanelli, C., Christiansen, D., & Burr, J. F. (2021). Blood flow restriction training and the high-performance athlete: science to application. Journal of Applied Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00982.2020 Bjørnsen, T., Wernbom, M., Kirketeig, A., Paulsen, G., Samnøy, L., Bækken, L., Cameron-Smith, D., Berntsen, S., & Raastad, T. (2018). Type 1 Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy after Blood Flow-restricted Training in Powerlifters. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001775 Ferguson, R. A., Mitchell, E. A., Taylor, C. W., Bishop, D. J., & Christiansen, D. (2021). Blood-flow-restricted exercise: Strategies for enhancing muscle adaptation and performance in the endurance-trained athlete. Experimental Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP089280 Morley, W. N., Coates, A. M., & Burr, J. F. (2020). Cardiac autonomic recovery following traditional and augmented remote ischemic preconditioning. European Journal of Applied Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04526-y Petrick, H. L., Pignanelli, C., Barbeau, P.-A., Churchward-Venne, T. A., Dennis, K. M. J. H., van Loon, L. J. C., Burr, J. F., Goossens, G. H., & Holloway, G. P. (2019). Blood flow restricted resistance exercise and reductions in oxygen tension attenuate mitochondrial H2 O2 emission rates in human skeletal muscle. The Journal of Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP277765 Dr. Burr discussing the work his lab does: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz0A4M8ajc4&t=98s Cheung, C. P., Slysz, J. T., & Burr, J. F. (2019). Ischemic Preconditioning: Improved Cycling Performance Despite Nocebo Expectation. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 1–22. Jean-St-Michel, E., Manlhiot, C., Li, J., Tropak, M., Michelsen, M. M., Schmidt, M. R., McCrindle, B. W., Wells, G. D., & Redington, A. N. (2011). Remote preconditioning improves maximal performance in highly trained athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(7), 1280–1286. Crisafulli, A., de Farias, R. R., Farinatti, P., Lopes, K. G., Milia, R., Sainas, G., Pinna, V., Palazzolo, G., Doneddu, A., Magnani, S., Mulliri, G., Roberto, S., & Oliveira, R. B. (2018). Blood Flow Restriction Training Reduces Blood Pressure During Exercise Without Affecting Metaboreflex Activity. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 1736.https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
Transcribe →BFR and Type 2 DM with Dominik Pesta, PhD
Jul 600:47:39Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, Dr. Dominik Pesta discusses the latest research on blood flow restriction training, mitochondrial function, and their applications in diabetes management and spaceflight. Discover how innovative training modalities can impact health and performance.KeywordsBlood Flow Restriction, Mitochondria, Diabetes, Spaceflight, Metabolic Health, Exercise Physiology, Vascularity, Visceral Fat, Personalized MedicineKey topicsBlood flow restriction training (BFR) and its effectsMitochondrial function and biogenesis in muscle and fat tissueApplications of BFR in diabetes management and spaceflightVascular remodeling and angiogenesis from BFRVisceral fat reduction and metabolic health improvementsMeasurement techniques for mitochondrial functionGene expression and transcriptional responses to trainingImplications for personalized exercise prescriptionsGuest nameDr. Dominik Pesta (Specia Investigate Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:16 The Significance of the Recent BFR and Diabetes Paper03:30 Impact of the Paper in High-Impact Journals04:11 Challenges in Physical Therapy Research05:54 Dominik Pesta's Background and Research Focus08:24 Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetes and Spaceflight11:15 Parallels Between Metabolic Diseases and Astronauts13:13 Fluid Shifts in Space and Countermeasures14:35 Measuring Mitochondrial Function in Research18:26 Mitochondrial Adaptations to Training22:57 Study Design and Training Protocols29:17 Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Mitochondrial Changes33:43 Gene Expression and Vascular Remodeling39:28 Future Directions and Applications in Space and Medicine45:27 Closing Remarks and Next StepsResourcesTrinks N, Gancheva S, Pützer J, et al. Blood-flow restriction resistance training improves skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes. Cell Metab. 2026;0(0). doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2025.12.016 Guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominik-pesta-54b75658/Research Profile - https://www.dlr.de/en/me/about-us/departments/metabolism-and-human-performancehttps://owensrecoveryscience.com/
Transcribe →Why is Kyle so negative about eccentrics?
Jun 2900:47:37Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, Kyle, Johnny, Zach, and Ben dive into the nuances of eccentric exercise, BFR, and muscle physiology. They explore myths, mechanisms, and practical applications for training and rehab.Keywordseccentric exercise, BFR, muscle damage, hypertrophy, physiology, training, rehab, muscle fibers, ECM, repeated bout effectKey topicsEccentric exercise and its effects on muscle damage and hypertrophyThe role of blood flow restriction in training and rehabMyths and misconceptions about eccentric exerciseMuscle fiber recruitment and the skeleton crew theoryRepeated bout effect and muscle resilienceChapters00:00 Reunion and Introduction of Topics02:35 Exploring Eccentric Exercises and BFR07:03 Understanding Eccentric vs. Concentric Exercises14:41 The Science Behind Muscle Damage and Eccentrics20:18 Understanding Eccentric Muscle Damage22:44 The Repeated Bout Effect in Exercise27:35 Mechanisms Behind Muscle Resilience32:33 Eccentric Exercise and Load Context36:32 BFR and Eccentric Training Synergy42:21 Crossover Effects in Eccentric TrainingResourcesEccentric Exercise and Muscle Damage - Proske, U., & Morgan, D. L. (2001). Muscle damage from eccentric exercise: mechanism, mechanical signs, adaptation and clinical applications. J Physiol, 537(Pt 2), 333-345. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.00333.xNuzzo, J. L., Pinto, M. D., Nosaka, K., & Steele, J. (2023). The eccentric:Concentric strength ratio of human skeletal muscle in vivo: Meta-analysis of the influences of sex, age, joint action, and velocity. Sports Med, 53(6), 1125-1136. doi:10.1007/s40279-023-01851-yLovering, R. M., & De Deyne, P. G. (2004). Contractile function, sarcolemma integrity, and the loss of dystrophin after skeletal muscle eccentric contraction-induced injury. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 286(2), C230-8. doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00199.2003Behringer et al. (2017) — high-load eccentric BFR to failure; the volume-confound cautionary tale.Jones et al. (2022) — eccentric hamstring BFR vs. high-load eccentric; 6-week crossover.Sudo et al. (2015) — eccentric BFR via electrical stimulation, rat model; S6K1 signalinghttps://owensrecoveryscience.com/
Transcribe →The Myth of Fatty Infiltration with Dr. Brian Feeley of UCSF
Jun 1500:44:13Tap to summarizeSummaryDr. Brian Feeley discusses his groundbreaking research on mitochondrial transfer in muscle regeneration, fatty infiltration, and the potential of blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy to enhance recovery and reduce pain. Explore the science behind FAPs, ischemia-reperfusion, and innovative therapeutic strategies.Keywordsmuscle regeneration, mitochondrial transfer, fatty infiltration, FAPs, BFR, ischemia-reperfusion, muscle injury, orthopedics, regenerative medicineKey TopicsMitochondrial transfer in muscle cellsRole of fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in fatty infiltrationBlood flow restriction (BFR) therapy and ischemia-reperfusion injuryMechanisms of muscle regeneration and fibrosisPotential clinical applications of mitochondrial transferChapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Brian Feeley03:45 The Mito Lab and Research Interests06:53 Understanding Fatty Infiltration in Muscles10:00 Mitochondrial Transfer and Its Implications12:48 Ischemia-Reperfusion and BFR Studies16:05 Mouse Study on Mitochondrial Transfer18:53 Functional Outcomes and Muscle Recovery24:55 Understanding Muscle Recovery and Pain Reduction28:16 The Role of Muscle Fiber Types in Recovery29:11 Fatty Infiltration and Muscle Regeneration31:48 The Hormetic Response and BFR Mechanisms34:29 Passive vs. Active BFR in Rehabilitation37:05 Challenges in Clinical Trials for BFR39:54 Practical Applications of BFR in Sports MedicineResourcesMITO Lab - Muscle Injury and Translational Orthopedics Lab - https://feeleylab.ucsf.edu/The paper we discuss - Milan N, Wague A, Sang L, et al. Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Stimulates Intercellular Mitochondria Transfer and Improves Muscle Regeneration and Shoulder Function in a Murine Rotator Cuff Injury Model. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026;54(5):1114-1125. doi:10.1177/03635465261424875 Guest linksUCSF Profile - https://profiles.ucsf.edu/brian.feeley6-8 Weeks Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1MtNPZR7Zjkx2wjErWITuk?si=58d36ad4209c477cLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-feeley-81122a233/https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
Transcribe →Mind the Gap: Build a BFR Bridge with Mark Murphy, PT
Jun 100:53:10Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, Mark Murphy from C-SPAR discusses the application of blood flow restriction (BFR) in rehab and performance, sharing insights from his research and clinical practice. We explore protocols for cartilage repair, return-to-play strategies, and innovative research projects at Mass General.KeywordsBlood Flow Restriction, Rehab, Performance, Cartilage, Return to Play, Sports Science, Research, C-SPAR, Mass General, BFR ProtocolsKey TopicsBlood Flow Restriction protocols in rehab and performanceApplication of BFR in cartilage repair and post-surgical recoveryResearch projects at C-SPAR including long-term follow-ups and MRI studiesStrategies for early intervention and load management in athletesThe role of BFR in enhancing muscle hypertrophy and preventing disuse atrophy Guest: Mark Murphy, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, CPSS Sound bites"Time is our most valuable resource in sports medicine""10 plus sets per week is essential for muscle growth""BFR should be standard practice in cartilage rehab"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup02:54 Moving and Life Changes05:54 Introducing Mark Murphy and C-SPAR10:00 Mark's Background and Journey19:37 BFR in Rehabilitation and Performance28:09 Practical Applications of BFR28:32 Innovative Resistance Training Techniques29:43 Daily Rehabilitation Practices30:26 BFR Protocols in Cartilage Rehabilitation35:37 Progressing Rehabilitation with BFR39:02 Weight-Bearing Activities and Joint Tolerance41:53 Transitioning from BFR to Heavier Loads43:39 C-Spar: A Multidisciplinary Approach45:23 Researching BFR in Patellar Instability50:18 Future Studies and CollaborationsResourcesC-SPAR - Center for Sports Performance and ResearchDelfi Blood Flow Restriction DeviceIsokinetic Greece ConferenceMurphy M. Blood flow restriction training: A tool to enhance rehabilitation and build athlete resiliency. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2024;0(101022):101022. doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2024.101022 https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
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Catching the Big One
Mar 2400:44:00Tap to summarizeSummary Join us as we explore the transformative power of point-of-care ultrasound in clinical practice with experts Steven Ramsey and John Van Eyk. Discover how ultrasound enhances diagnosis, improves patient outcomes, and expands the scope of practice for healthcare professionals. Key Topics Point-of-care ultrasound applications Blood flow restriction and DVT detection Ultrasound in emergency and outpatient care Guests Names Steven Ramsey and John Van Eyk Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:19 Upcoming Conferences and Courses 03:49 Introduction of Guest Steven Ramsey 09:17 John Van Eyk's Practice and Ultrasound Use in ED 14:51 Case Presentation: DVT Detection in the ED 18:33 Ultrasound in Diagnosing Knee Injury and Blood Clots 23:31 Implementing Ultrasound in Clinical Practice 26:17 Statistics and Sensitivity of Ultrasound for DVT 30:09 Expanding Ultrasound Skills: Cardiac and Vascular Imaging 34:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Ultrasound Education 37:02 Future Courses and Applications in Sports and Critical Care 41:29 Closing Remarks and Resources 42:33 riverside_outro__ mar 17, 2026 001_j&k.mp4 resources Point-of-Care Ultrasound Courses by Stephen Ramsey - https://owensrecoveryscience.com/diagnostic-ultrasound-courses/ Blood Flow Restriction Training Resources - https://owensrecoveryscience.com/bfr-courses/ https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
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BFR Throwing with Tyler White, DC
Dec 201:07:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Johnny Owens and Kyle Kimbrel welcome Dr. Tyler White to discuss the innovative use of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training in baseball. They explore Tyler's journey in integrating BFR into throwing mechanics, share compelling case studies demonstrating its effectiveness, and address safety concerns. The conversation highlights the potential of BFR to revolutionize recovery and performance in athletes, particularly pitchers, and discusses upcoming courses and research opportunities in this field. https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
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Passive BFR Acutely After TKA
Sep 400:38:37Tap to summarizeSummary The podcast discusses a recent pilot study on the effects of passive blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise on muscle atrophy following total knee replacement surgery. The conversation highlights the significant muscle mass loss that occurs post-surgery and the potential of BFR to mitigate this loss. The study design, methodology, and key findings are explored, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the feasibility of implementing BFR in clinical settings. The hosts discuss the implications of the findings for rehabilitation practices and future research directions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Study 03:15 Understanding Muscle Atrophy Post-Surgery 07:12 The Role of Blood Flow Restriction in Rehabilitation 12:53 Study Design and Methodology 15:35 Key Findings and Implications of the Study 20:54 Exploring Remote Ischemic Preconditioning 22:42 Functional Outcomes and Clinical Significance 25:11 Grip Strength Recovery and Clinical Changes 27:01 Safety and Feasibility of BFR 28:42 Implementing BFR in Clinical Practice 30:25 Prehabilitation and Postoperative Care 32:47 Expanding Applications of BFR in Acute Care Podcast Intro Attribution Song: Legendary Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 Podcast Outro Attribution Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
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BFR and the NBA with Jordan Sabourin, PhD
Aug 8, 202501:14:14Tap to summarizeSummary In this episode, Johnny Owens interviews Jordan Sabarin, a strength and conditioning coach for the Detroit Pistons and expert in blood flow restriction (BFR) training. They discuss Jordan's journey from being a professional basketball player to pursuing a PhD in BFR, the differences in strength and conditioning philosophies between the NBA and Europe, and the practical applications of BFR in athletic training. The conversation delves into Jordan's dissertation study, which assesses the effects of BFR on performance and recovery in elite basketball players, as well as the qualitative feedback from players regarding their experiences with BFR. They also explore future directions for BFR research and its integration into NBA training regimens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blood Flow Restriction in Athletics 03:13 Jordan Sabarin's Background and Journey 05:09 Differences in Strength and Conditioning Philosophies 06:52 The Rise of Blood Flow Restriction Training 08:50 Pursuing a PhD in Blood Flow Restriction 10:40 Research Questions and Study Design 12:44 Understanding the NBA Training Schedule 15:31 Study Hypothesis and Objectives 18:50 Methodology: Exercises and Protocols 21:18 Using the Omni-Res Scale for Measurement 22:55 Objective Measures and Data Collection 26:13 Qualitative Insights from Players 30:47 Quantitative Findings and Discussion 41:16 Exploring Resistance Training and Recovery 42:23 Qualitative Observations in Training 43:03 Comparing BFR and Traditional Training 45:00 Athlete Preferences and Training Discomfort 46:35 Future Research Directions in BFR 49:56 Application of BFR in the NBA 52:22 Pre-Competition Priming with BFR 54:28 BFR for Tendon Health and Pain Management 56:05 BFR in Rehabilitation and Performance 59:55 Integrating BFR into Traditional Lifts 01:02:06 Traveling with BFR Devices 01:06:39 Future Directions and Research in BFR Podcast Intro Attribution Song: Legendary Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 Podcast Outro Attribution Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
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Intergalactic BFR with Luke Hughes, PhD
Jul 22, 202501:15:39Tap to summarizeEpisode 73 - Intergalactic BFR with Luke Hughes, PhD Summary In this episode, Johnny Owens and Dr. Luke Hughes discuss the applications of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in space and its potential to mitigate deconditioning in astronauts. They explore the physiological changes that occur in microgravity, the importance of exercise countermeasures, and the innovative research being conducted to understand the mechanisms behind BFR's effectiveness. The conversation also touches on the implications of BFR for bone health, clinical applications, and future research directions. Takeaways BFR is a promising tool for mitigating muscle and bone deconditioning in space. Fluid shifts in microgravity can lead to significant health issues for astronauts. BFR can enhance the effectiveness of low-intensity aerobic exercise. Research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms behind BFR's benefits for bone health. BFR protocols need to be personalized for different patient populations. The use of BFR in clinical settings shows potential for improving recovery outcomes. BFR can help prevent amputations in patients with severe vascular issues. Understanding the impact of pressure on blood flow is crucial for optimizing BFR protocols. BFR can be integrated into rehabilitation programs for various conditions. Future research will focus on the long-term effects of BFR in both space and clinical settings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) 05:38 Bed Rest Studies and Their Importance in Space Research 12:45 Physiological Effects of Microgravity on Astronauts 18:41 Current Exercise Countermeasures in Space Missions 24:04 Future Directions and Innovations in Space Exercise 24:33 Innovations in Exercise Devices for Space Missions 26:41 The Role of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in Space Exercise 29:20 First Experiments with BFR in Microgravity 30:37 Collaboration with SpaceX for In-Orbit Research 31:59 Developing Space-Compatible Exercise Devices 33:53 BFR Exercise in Space: A Historic Milestone 35:06 Exercise Protocols and Adjustments for Space Conditions 37:45 Initial Findings from BFR Experiments in Space 40:47 Exploring Fluid Shifts and BFR's Impact 43:33 Combining Aerobic Exercise with BFR for Enhanced Benefits 48:51 Future Directions in BFR Research and Applications 53:07 Exploring Bone Adaptation Mechanisms 55:37 Methodological Framework for Bone Research 59:30 Innovations in Bone Blood Flow Measurement 01:02:31 BFR Applications in Rehabilitation and Pain Management 01:05:17 Future Directions in BFR Research and Space Applications Podcast Intro Attribution Song: Legendary Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4 Podcast Outro Attribution Song: Smoke Rising Music by: CreatorMix.com Video: https://youtu.be/_oaZzkn0bW4https://owensrecoveryscience.com/
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