Monday, December 28, 2020

Physiological Effects of Strength Training Incorporating Blood Flow Restriction Underwater

For who? Swimmers, water polo players, triathletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, recovery, KAATSU Aqua

Experienced KAATSU Master Specialists and coaches from California (Dave Carlson) to Massachusetts (Chris Morgan) have long incorporated KAATSU Aqua in the training of their athletes for speed, strength and stamina. They also use KAATSU and KAATSU Aqua for rehabilitation of muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons when required. It is used often for recovery, especially after intense workouts and in post-competition situations.

Like KAATSU, KAATSU Aqua is the original BFR for use by aquatherapists, trainers and physical therapists with aquatherapy pools, and competitive aquatic athletes and older people who do aquarobics and aquawalking in shallow pools.

Standard protocols for KAATSU Aqua is the same as KAATSU regarding the Base SKU Pressure and Optimal SKU Pressure.

But it is important for the KAATSU Aqua pressure to be lower on both the arms and the legs than what is normally used on dryland with standard KAATSU. The other protocols such as proper CRT (Capillary Refill Time) and restricting use no longer than 15 minutes are strictly adhered to by these coaches and their athletes that range from high school students to people in their mid-80's.

This year, the World Health Organization posted a paper by Hiroshi Kawano, Teruhiko Kondo and Atsushi Takeda called Physiological Effects of Strength Training Incorporating Blood Flow Restriction Underwater that was published in The Journal of The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology and Physical Medicine (see here).

The abstract reads, "Strength training performed while restricting blood flow is believed to cause the secretion of growth hormones under low load intensities and allow for muscle hypertrophy and increased muscle strength. This has potential clinical applications for elderly individuals and people with existing conditions. However, previous research has been performed on land, with hemodynamics and growth hormone secretion trends for training performed underwater unclear. Against this background, we investigated the effects of blood flow restriction training underwater on hemodynamics and plasma growth hormone (GH) levels. Twelve healthy university students were divided into two groups a localized immersion group where only the upper limb of the dominant hand was submerged, and a whole-body immersion group where participants were submerged to the xiphoid process. Immersed according to respective group protocols, both groups performed flexion and extension of the shoulder joint for 10 minutes with a pressurized cuff at the base of the upper arm under both 0 mmHg and 50 mmHg cuff pressures. Measured hemodynamics were heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Plasma GH levels were measured from blood samples. This study revealed that underwater blood flow restriction strength training induced plasma GH level secretion under 50 mmHg conditions. In addition, high levels of GH secretion were shown in the localized immersion group for strength training even when the cuff was not pressurized. Conversely, no significant differences were evident in any measured hemodynamic categories. Results suggest that, in addition to cuff pressure, blood flow restriction training is affected by the body part immersed in water."

High school, club and national level water polo coach Dave Carlson from Los Alamitos, California and 2008 Olympic swim coach Chris Morgan of Danvers, Massachusetts discussed different way to recover from competitions and games with the KAATSU Aqua Bands and the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 device in this podcast:





KAATSU Master Specialists like Dr. Cory Keirn have long talked about KAATSU Aqua:

* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle

Various KAATSU Aqua applications for competitive aquatic athletes are demonstrated below:









Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Troubleshooting - Is There A Leak?

For who? KAATSU Cycle 2.0 users
For what? Troubleshooting, repair

Explanation provided by John Doolittle, CAPT, USN (Ret) who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and transferred to the U.S. Navy. During a 25-year career, he was deployed around the world as an officer in the Navy SEAL Teams; conducting special operations around the globe, to include Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He retired as a Navy Captain after his last assignment as Director of the Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force at U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters, supporting 73,000 Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, Night Stalkers, Air Force and Marine Special Operators.

Doolittle is a certified KAATSU Master Instructor, a NAUI Dive Instructor, and has an MS in Defense Analysis / Irregular Warfare / Special Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School.

He explains, "The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 works on a closed air system. Any leak, whether big or small, will interfere with it completing each 30 second Cycle.

Here is how you can check where the leak may be:

Step #1. Connect the translucent connector tubes into the sides of the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 device. Do NOT connect the KAATSU Air Bands. Set the device in Cycle mode and press P high. If the device does not complete the 8 steps of the Cycle, there is a pin hole in the connector tubes.

The most common spot for pin holds is where the connector tube meets the gray plastic connector. Crimping at that point over time can create a pin hole. See image #1.

The solution is to cut off 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) of the tube and reinsert it on the gray plastic connector. Use a little soapy water which will make it easier to slide the tube back on on the connector.

Conversely, if the device does successfully complete the 8 steps of the Cycle, proceed to Step #2.


Step #2. Since the connectors tubes are not compromised with a pin hole, the next step to check the black tube that connects to the KAATSU Air Bands. At higher pressures, the tube that meets the hard-black connection point on the KAATSU Air Bands may have a leak.

This usually only occurs after hard, frequent usage while pulling on the black tube. See image #2 on left. If the tube appears to be a little stretched, cut off a 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) and reinsert the tube with soapy water.

The black tube is designed so that it will pull off if pulled too hard. This protects the air bladder inside the KAATSU Air Bands from tearing which is a fatal to the bands. If this does not solve the problem, proceed to Step #3.



Step #3. The last issue to test is whether or not the KAATSU Air Bands or connector tubes are compromised.

To test this, only connect one KAATSU Air Band at one time, but leave the tubes inserted in both sides.

If the bladder inside the KAATSU Air Band has failed, the device will not complete 8 Steps, You will see bubbles along the seams of the band. You may also see bubbles coming out from the connection of the white connector and black tube. If this is the case, remove a 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) of the black tube and reinsert the connector. See image #3 on left.

If the bubbles are coming from the bladder, you will need a replacement band.




Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Friday, December 18, 2020

KAATSU Master 2.0 - From Getting Started to Troubleshooting

For who? KAATSU Master 2.0 users
For what? Troubleshooting, repair

Explanation provided by John Doolittle, CAPT, USN (Ret) who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and transferred to the U.S. Navy. During a 25-year career, he was deployed around the world as an officer in the Navy SEAL Teams; conducting special operations around the globe, to include Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He retired as a Navy Captain after his last assignment as Director of the Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force at U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters, supporting 73,000 Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, Night Stalkers, Air Force and Marine Special Operators.

Doolittle is a certified KAATSU Master Instructor, a NAUI Dive Instructor, and has an MS in Defense Analysis / Irregular Warfare / Special Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Getting Started with the KAATSU Master 2.0:



Setting Up The KAATSU Master 2.0 Unit:



KAATSU Cycle Mode vs. KAATSU Constant Mode:



Using the KAATSU Constant Mode:



KAATSU Master 2.0 - Troubleshooting Tips:



Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Troubleshooting - Is There A Leak?

For who? KAATSU Cycle 2.0 users
For what? Troubleshooting, repair

Explanation provided by John Doolittle, CAPT, USN (Ret) who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and transferred to the U.S. Navy. During a 25-year career, he was deployed around the world as an officer in the Navy SEAL Teams; conducting special operations around the globe, to include Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He retired as a Navy Captain after his last assignment as Director of the Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force at U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters, supporting 73,000 Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, Night Stalkers, Air Force and Marine Special Operators.

Doolittle is a certified KAATSU Master Instructor, a NAUI Dive Instructor, and has an MS in Defense Analysis / Irregular Warfare / Special Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School.

He explains, "The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 works on a closed air system. Any leak, whether big or small, will interfere with it completing each 30 second Cycle.

Here is how you can check where the leak may be:

Step #1. Connect the translucent connector tubes into the sides of the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 device. Do NOT connect the KAATSU Air Bands. Set the device in Cycle mode and press P high. If the device does not complete the 8 steps of the Cycle, there is a pin hole in the connector tubes.

The most common spot for pin holds is where the connector tube meets the gray plastic connector. Crimping at that point over time can create a pin hole. See image #1.

The solution is to cut off 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) of the tube and reinsert it on the gray plastic connector. Use a little soapy water which will make it easier to slide the tube back on on the connector.

Conversely, if the device does successfully complete the 8 steps of the Cycle, proceed to Step #2.


Step #2. Since the connectors tubes are not compromised with a pin hole, the next step to check the black tube that connects to the KAATSU Air Bands. At higher pressures, the tube that meets the hard-black connection point on the KAATSU Air Bands may have a leak.

This usually only occurs after hard, frequent usage while pulling on the black tube. See image #2 on left. If the tube appears to be a little stretched, cut off a 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) and reinsert the tube with soapy water.

The black tube is designed so that it will pull off if pulled too hard. This protects the air bladder inside the KAATSU Air Bands from tearing which is a fatal to the bands. If this does not solve the problem, proceed to Step #3.



Step #3. The last issue to test is whether or not the KAATSU Air Bands or connector tubes are compromised.

To test this, only connect one KAATSU Air Band at one time, but leave the tubes inserted in both sides.

If the bladder inside the KAATSU Air Band has failed, the device will not complete 8 Steps, You will see bubbles along the seams of the band. You may also see bubbles coming out from the connection of the white connector and black tube. If this is the case, remove a 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) of the black tube and reinsert the connector. See image #3 on left.

If the bubbles are coming from the bladder, you will need a replacement band.




Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Dr. Cory On Doing KAATSU on Your Arms

For who? Competitive athletes, Baby Boomers
For what? Strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility



Cory Keirn, DPT, OCS, CSCS, TSAC-F, XPS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Tampa, Florida. He is a former Strength & Conditioning Coach with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the Philadelphia Phillies, a Major League Baseball professional team. He did his residency in orthopaedics with a focus on complex orthopaedic cases and advanced physical therapy integration for tactical athletes.

KAATSU Master Specialist Keirn explains how to use the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 from many perspectives and for various applications. These videos summarize the information that he shares with his patients who regularly use KAATSU, the original BFR for their rehabilitation and recovery.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Unboxing the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 with Dr. Cory

For who? KAATSU Cycle 2.0 users
For what? KAATSU Cycle 2.0 usage



Cory Keirn, DPT, OCS, CSCS, TSAC-F, XPS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Tampa, Florida. He is a former Strength & Conditioning Coach with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the Philadelphia Phillies, a Major League Baseball professional team. He did his residency in orthopaedics with a focus on complex orthopaedic cases and advanced physical therapy integration for tactical athletes.

Dr. Cory Keirn talks about KAATSU, the Original BFR.

KAATSU pioneered the emerging Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) global market. KAATSU equipment and protocols offer unparalleled performance, precision, and safety for users of all ages and walks of life. KAATSU is a Japanese word that means "additional pressure" that utilizes a state-of-the-art automated pressure system and pneumatic bands that safely optimizes blood circulation, and can enhance recovery, rehabilitation and performance. KAATSU features patented customizable cyclical and sustained pressure settings that allow for a wide variety of athletic, wellness, and therapeutic benefits.

"After careful review, it is clear to me that the KAATSU equipment is the best BFR equipment on the market, as it is the only one that allows you to automatically cycle pressure on for 30 seconds and off for five seconds," says Dr. Joseph Mercola, osteopathic physician.

The KAATSU Cycle Mode is an automated, repeated pressure sequence that allows users to customize both the duration and precise amount of pressure. In this mode, the pneumatic bands apply repeated and progressive periods of compression and decompression on the limbs. This distinct, patented feature of KAATSU maximizes safety and effectiveness for all users and purposes, even during passive use.

The KAATSU Cycle Mode can be used during exercise, household activities, or at rest anywhere, anytime. The Cycle Mode is beneficial during warm-ups, exercise recovery, injury rehabilitation, and for all aspects of athletic performance.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

KAATSU Introduction Series by Dr. Cory

For who? Athletes, stay-at-home employees, mothers, Baby Boomers, retirees
For what? Fitness, wellness, strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, balance

Dr. Cory Keirn discusses KAATSU the original BFR and its impact on the future of exercise with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0:



Dr. Keirn addresses many different topics on the Dr. Cory KAATSU series (see links below). The Doctor Of Physical Therapy at the Veterans Administation was previously a strength and conditioning coach with the World Wrestling Entertainment and the Philadelphia Phillies, a Major League Baseball team.

Introducing KAATSU


How Does KAATSU Work?


Unboxing the KAATSU Cycle 2.0


KAATSU Full-Body Warm-up, Part 1


KAATSU Full-Body Warm-up, Part 2



KAATSU Published Research [shown with KAATSU inventor Dr. Yoshiaki Sato]


KAATSU Cycle and Warm-up


Doing KAATSU on Your Arms






Putting KAATSU Air Bands On Your Legs


Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 On Your Legs


Other links to the KAATSU Introduction Series by Dr. Cory are below:

* Dr. Cory On What Experienced Athletes Can Do With KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Sharing A KAATSU Cycle 2.0 - Partner Workouts
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU For Pull-ups Or Vertical Pulling Motion
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycles For Your Shoulders
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Overhead Isometric Press
* Dr. Cory Explains The Physiological Effects Of KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Exercises
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU, The Future of Exercise
* Dr. Cory On How KAATSU Works
* Dr. Cory On Shallow Water KAATSU Aqua
* Dr. Cory On Jumping Rope With KAATSU - Legs
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle
* Dr. Cory Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 For Lower Body Warm-up
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Hip Flexor Dynamic Stretching
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Basic Pushing And Pulling For The Upper Body
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2.0 + TRX Straps for Lower Body and Core
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Spinal Rotational Mobility
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Legs
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Shoulder Mobility And Strengthening
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Arms
* Dr. Cory On Doing KAATSU Anywhere Anytime
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Why People From All Walks of Life Use KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2 0 On Your Arms
* Dr. Cory On Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 On Your Legs
* Dr. Cory On Putting KAATSU Air Bands On Your Legs

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Chilton Hawk: Exercising During A Pandemic With KAATSU

For who? Blue collar employees, white collar employees, stay-at-home employees, students
For what? Fitness, wellness, strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, balance

Chilton Hawk is an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician at the University of Utah. He wrote a review (Exercising during a Pandemic) of the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 for his fellow employees of the Mountain West branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

The AALAS is a membership association of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry who are dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals, as well as the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals.

Exercising during a Pandemic - A Review Submitted by Chilton Hawk

For many folks, trying to get good quality exercise has been challenging in the current pandemic. People who like to use gyms have found that many of them are closed. Gyms do have a variety of equipment that most of us cannot afford nor have space for at home. Doing exercise outside is generally weather dependent. One possible solution is blood flow resistance (BFR) exercises. It is effective at building muscle mass and improving blood circulation in a short amount of time.

Back in the 60s, Yoshiaki Sato was sitting on the floor in Buddha style. When he tried to get up, he experienced severe cramping in his leg. This is an experience that most of us have had at one time or another. As he rubbed his leg, he was wondering how to improve the blood flow. One of the problems that humans have with circulation is the heart pumps blood out, but the blood to return to the heart is working against gravity. Sato spent years of research trying to figure out a solution.

The result of his research was the development of blood flow resistance (BFR) exercises and equipment. He created stretchable, narrow pneumatic armbands KAATSU and leg bands that inflate like blood pressure cuffs. The arm bands are placed just below the deltoid muscle and above the biceps. The leg bands are placed as close to the groin as possible. The bands automatically and repeatedly inflate and deflate in 8 steps. Each step increases slightly in pressure.

This compression and decompression help push the blood to the distal ends of the limbs while the venous blood slows its return to the torso and pools in the limb. During the exercise session, skin color changes to a pinkish or reddish color. This indicates improved circulation and increased vascular tissue elasticity while serving as the catalyst for hormone production. Blood circulation is important to deliver nutrients to the cells and remove the toxins.

There are some videos on YouTube that give some idea of how to safely and properly use the BFR equipment. From personal experience, I would recommend the Dr. Cory KAATSU series (see below*). The exercise program is fairly simple. It is important to start with the armbands allowing the circulatory system to warm up for the next round of exercises. The reason I brought the KAATSU was for neuropathy. My neuropathy is caused by reduced blood flow to the legs and feet that create mobility and balance issues. It surprised me that the therapy results were immediately noticeable. I felt greater mobility, speed, and balance, and also noticed much better sleep at night, which allows greater cognitive ability. An added benefit is that I am building muscle mass with very few exercises.

KAATSU can be performed in a small area, with or without any special exercise equipment. This convenience and portability enable exercise or rehabilitation to be done anywhere anytime.

Today millions of people worldwide are enjoying the benefits of KAATSU which include quick recovery from injuries, building lean muscle, increased production of nitric acid for improved cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, increased energy, and endurance, according to the KAATSU website. Other benefits will be made known as further research is done.

The product being reviewed here is the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 which includes the control unit (that adjusts the pressure and timing of the compression and decompression) a pair of armbands and a pair of leg bands. The bands come in small, medium, large, and extra-large. Instructions for choosing the right size are on the website at Kaatsu.com. The price of the unit is $899.95 with a one-year warranty. Customer service is excellent. I have sent several emails with questions and the company answered in a very timely manner
.



































Cory Keirn DPT discusses KAATSU the original BFR and its impact on the future of exercise with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0:



Dr. Keirn addresses many different topics on the Dr. Cory KAATSU series: * Dr. Cory On What Experienced Athletes Can Do With KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Sharing A KAATSU Cycle 2.0 - Partner Workouts
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU For Pull-ups Or Vertical Pulling Motion
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycles For Your Shoulders
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Overhead Isometric Press
* Dr. Cory Explains The Physiological Effects Of KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Exercises
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU, The Future of Exercise
* Dr. Cory On How KAATSU Works
* Dr. Cory On Shallow Water KAATSU Aqua
* Dr. Cory On Jumping Rope With KAATSU - Legs
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Arms in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Aqua Arms
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua Legs in Deep Water
* Dr. Cory on KAATSU Aqua with a Noodle
* Dr. Cory Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 For Lower Body Warm-up
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Hip Flexor Dynamic Stretching
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Basic Pushing And Pulling For The Upper Body
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2.0 + TRX Straps for Lower Body and Core
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Spinal Rotational Mobility
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Legs
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Shoulder Mobility And Strengthening
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU Yoga Arms
* Dr. Cory On Doing KAATSU Anywhere Anytime
* Dr. Cory On KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Why People From All Walks of Life Use KAATSU
* Dr. Cory On Using KAATSU Cycle 2 0 On Your Arms
* Dr. Cory On Using The KAATSU Cycle 2.0 On Your Legs
* Dr. Cory On Putting KAATSU Air Bands On Your Legs

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, December 17, 2020

When Snow Falls, KAATSU To Stay Warm

For who? Working adults
For what? Strength, exercise





























KAATSU Master Specialist Chris Morgan has been using his KAATSU equipment for his rehabilitation of his broken ribs and broken heel as well as training his competitive swimmers and adult swimmers - both in their daily workouts and during competitions.

Over the years, Coach Morgan has really appreciated the effects of KAATSU, the original BFR. But this winter, especially after heavy snowfalls, he has appreciated his KAATSU equipment even more.

The Boston area experienced a heavy snowfall last night and this morning.

Before KAATSU, Morgan used to shovel snow in the mornings and his hands would get cold. No more.

At first, he used to shovel snow and then do a KAATSU Fitness session when he came into his home. "With more than a foot of snow on the ground, I always had a lot of snow to shovel. My hands would get borderline frostbite. I would do about 6 sets on the Pro Low pressure setting and my hands were as warm as ever.

But nowadays, I just wear the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 while I shovel. It is a tremendous workout that solves the immediate problem of removing snow from my driveway and porch and around the house, but my hands always stay warm. At first, I started wearing the KAATSU Air Bands over my jacket, but then I realized that the effects and warmth were so much better when the bands were over my shirt, but underneath my jacket. For someone with cold feet, putting bands on their legs would be great
."

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Dr. Cory On What Experienced Athletes Can Do With KAATSU

For who? Competitive athletes, student-athletes, masters athletes
For what? Strength, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, warm-up, balance, wellness



Cory Keirn DPT, a veteran trainer and physical therapist from the World Wrestling Entertainment and Philadelphia Phillies, demonstrates different exercises that can be done with the KAATSU Cycle 2.0 and KAATSU Air Bands as part of any athletic performance regimen with KAATSU Fitness, the original BFR.

Copyright © 2014 - 2020 by KAATSU Global