Unboxing and Using the Revolutionary KAATSU B1

The Bluetooth-enabled KAATSU B1 device is the newest model in the KAATSU product line.

The B1 operates via a smartphone, either an Android or iOS app. The B1 can be safely utilized anywhere anytime by anyone with a smartphone.

Costs

• The KAATSU B1 - Dual Model comes with 2 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Arm Air Bands, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,499.99. The 2 Wearable units are interchangeable between KAATSU Arm Air Bands and KAATSU Leg Air Bands.
• The KAATSU B1 - Quad Model comes with 4 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Arm Air Bands, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,999.99.
• The KAATSU B1 - Leg & Core Model comes with 2 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,349.99.
• The KAATSU B1 - Arm Model comes with 2 Wearable units, 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands, and includes the online KAATSU Education Course, KAATSU Magazines, access to the KAATSU Performance (a cloud-based database), a customized training program (if desired), and a 1-year warranty for $1,299.99.
• There is an optional 2-year warranty for $199.99, an optional KAATSU Masters Specialist Course for $250, an optional KAATSU CEU Course that will be offered for $799.99 by year-end 2022, and an optional Masimo MightySat Finger Pulse Oximeter for $299.

Applications & Operations

• The KAATSU protocols (applications) are the same as used with previous KAATSU models (i.e., KAATSU Master, KAATSU Master 2.0, KAATSU M3, KAATSU Cycle 2.0, KAATSU Nano, KAATSU C3) and are based on clinical evidence derived from decades of research in the Japan, China, United States, and United Kingdom.
• The ultra-lightweight B1 Wearable units are connected with the arm and leg KAATSU Air Bands that control the inflation and deflation of uniquely designed internal pneumatic bladders. The bands do not impede arterial flow and only serve to gently, repeatedly, gradually, and briefly modify venous flow with KAATSU’s patented customizable Cycle pressure modes.
• Either one or two B1 Air Bands can be worn at a time, for single-limb or double-limb KAATSU. Like all other KAATSU Air Bands, the bands are placed on either your upper arms or upper legs. The Wearable units and bands are operated by the KAATSU B1 app on your smartphone. The KAATSU app is available on both iOS and Android.
• The KAATSU B1 app captures, archives, and analyzes your individual usage data that can be shared with physicians, therapists, coaches, trainers, chiropractors, teammates, and compared with others in the KAATSU Performance ecosystem.

KAATSU B1 versus KAATSU C3 or KAATSU Cycle 2.0 Advantages

• Tubeless: The KAATSU B1 does not require connector tubes as with earlier KAATSU models. This allows users to have more mobility and freedom of movement in order to meet performance, recovery, wellness, and rehabilitation needs. The B1 is tangle-free without any risk of tripping on connector tubes.
• Data Capture: Real-time usage data is captured, archived, analyzed, and can be shared on both an individual and group basis.
• Clinical Applications: Medical professionals, therapists, trainers, and coaches can access usage data and provide remote diagnoses and therapeutic and training recommendations to users.
• KAATSU Ecosystem: The KAATSU B1 and KAATSU M3 share a common database so medical professionals, therapists, and coaches can use the M3 in a clinical setting and the user can use the B1 at home or at work with usage data shared across the B1 and M3 platforms.

KAATSU Benefits

• On a cellular level, KAATSU increases vascular elasticity, naturally produces a robust hormonal response and healthful metabolites, and improves oxygen and blood flow.
• Physiologically, these biochemical reactions lead to better health safely and faster.
• Unlike other BFR equipment, there is no occlusion of arterial blood flow which significantly increases its safety profile.

B1 Advantages

• The KAATSU B1 is ideal and easy to use for both active and non-active individuals whether able-bodied, injured, or disabled, users of all ages, coaches, trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, and physicians.
• Global analyses of multiple parameters is enabled (by gender, age, application, pressure, BMI, etc.). Over time, this aggregated and comparative data will help educate future users and KAATSU Specialists on optimal usage patterns and applications.
• The KAATSU Ecosystem now includes 3 models at three different price points that are attractive for different types of users:
o C3 at $999.99 is the lowest cost model, ideal for individual use
o B1 at $1,499.99 is the mid-range model, ideal for individual and military/team/group use who desire data analyses and individual data storage on their smartphones
o M3 at $4,999.99 is the clinical model, ideal for hospitals, medical clinics, rehabilitation and wellness centers

Dual versus Quad Model Advantages

The primary advantages of KAATSU B1 Quad Model (with 4 Wearable units) versus the KAATSU B1 Dual Model (with 2 Wearable units) are as follows:

• Two people can simultaneously use the KAATSU B1 Quad Model. That is, a husband and wife or 2 teammates can use 2 Wearable units each, enabling them to workout together. In this case, one partner uses the arm bands while the other partner uses the leg bands - meanwhile all the data is captured on each of their own respective smartphones.
• Users do not have to remove and put back on the 2 Wearable units each time they transition from using their arm and leg bands. That is, they just keep the 4 Wearable units on the arm bands and leg bands all the time. The units can be charged simultaneously while the units stay on the bands.
• Users can share their Wearable units and bands with others who might be interested in learning more about KAATSU at the same time the original user is demonstrating the KAATSU B1 with 1 Wearable unit on 1 band. The system also enables single-limb use.
• In the case that 1 Wearable unit is damaged, gets wet, or is not charged, a user has the choice to interchangeable use their other 3 Wearable units so there is no downtime.




KAATSU B1 Package

• KAATSU B1 Wearables: 2 units in the Dual Model or 4 units in the Quad Model
• 2 KAATSU Arm Air Bands
• 2 KAATSU Leg Air Bands
• 2 KAATSU Arm Wearable covers
• 2 KAATSU Leg Wearable covers
• USB Type-C dual charger (to simultaneously charge 2 units)
• Black carrying case
• Android or iOS app
• KAATSU Performance (cloud-based database)
• Online KAATSU Education Program
• KAATSU Magazines
• Optional Masimo MightSat Finger Pulse Oximeter
• Customized training program (if desired)


Differences between the KAATSU C3 and KAATSU B1 Models

• KAATSU C3 has connector tubes; KAATSU B1 does not
• KAATSU C3 was developed to meet the rugged needs of tactical athletes (i.e., soldiers) who occasionally train in harsh, dusty, muddy, rainy conditions
• KAATSU C3 device easily fits in a shirt or pants pocket or be clipped to a pair of shorts, pants, or tights; KAATSU B1 Wearable units are attached to the KAATSU Air Bands.
• KAATSU C3 costs $999; KAATSU B1 starts at $1,299.
• KAATSU C3 and KAATSU B1 Air Bands are not interchangeable

For more information on the KAATSU B1, visit here.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Using KAATSU with Rowing Machines, Stationary Bicycles, and Treadmills

When athletes use KAATSU equipment with a rowing machine, a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a statinary bicycle or TRX straps, they can use their KAATSU equipment before, during, and/or after each training session.

There are numerous options to use the KAATSU Air Bands at the standard pressure settings (Low, Medium, or High) or customized settings (ranging from very low to very high) at different durations.

Before The Training Session
> Use the Progressive KAATSU Cycle function as a warm-up. One standard option is to do 1-2 KAATSU Cycle sets in the Low pressure setting, followed by 1-2 KAATSU Cycle sets in the Medium pressure setting, and followed by 1-2 KAATSU Cycle sets in the High pressure setting, either or both on my arms and legs (if there is sufficient time).
> If time were an issue, then the user can either "double stack" or choose either arms or legs.
> By "double stacking", users can proceed with their daily activities (e.g., working in the office, writing emails, reading, walking the dog, stretching) while in the KAATSU Cycle mode. That is, proceed with a primary activity (e.g., writing emails) while the KAATSU Air Bands are on either the arms or legs in the Cycle mode. Therefore, their primary activities are not being interupted; rather, they are "double stacking" and achieving two things at once.
> The purpose of these Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets is to prepare your vascular system for an optimal workout.

During The Training Session
> Athletes can alternate using the KAATSU Air Bands on their arms or legs as they wish.
> Depending on the type of rowing, running, or cycling workout they do (e.g., at a steady moderate cadence or at an intense pace), the pressure settings can change. However, for most users, either the Low or Medium pressure setting is sufficient. Perhaps over time, the athletes may increase to Medium and High, but this is highly individualistic and depending on the type of workout.
> In general, these in-training sessions with KAATSU Air Bands is limited to 10 minutes.


After The Training Session
> Post-training is an ideal time to do recovery KAATSU Cycle sets.
> After the workout, the athletes can simply relax with the KAATSU Air Bands on either their arms or legs (whichever felt the most fatigued) in either the Low, Medium, or High pressure setting.

This may sound like a lot of KAATSU Cycle sets, but it is not always necessary to do KAATSU before, during and after each training session. Seriously minded and elite athletes can, but mixing up the duration, intensity, pressure, and use on the arms or legs enables flexibility.

However, if given a choice, doing Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets before the training sessions may be the most beneficial over time for many people. Alternatively, doing post-training KAATSU sessions could be either a primary or secondary priority depending on the needs and focus on the athlete - which can change depending if the athlete is in the off-season, pre-season, in-season, and championship season.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Utilizing KAATSU On The Sand and In The Water

Los Alamitos High School girls water polo team trains hard, utilizing innovative means during their dryland and in-water workouts to develop stamina, increase upper and lower body and core strength, and enhance speed, leading up to the 2022-2023 CIF Southern Section water polo playoffs.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

How Extreme Sports Athletes Can Use KAATSU

Many extreme sports athletes use KAATSU for enhanced athletic performance, injury rehabilitation, and post-workout, post-competition recovery.

These extreme athletes include cylists, marathon swimmers, mountaineers, big-wave surfers, ice swimmers, ultrarunners, triathletes, channel swimmers, motor sports athletes (car + motorcycle), acrobats, divers, and many others in a wide variety of athletic endeavors.

The athletes utilize KAATSU for the following applications:


Athletic Performance
* KAATSU can be used either as a finisher in a workout or for an entire strength-building session in the gym.
* KAATSU can be used in combination with any fitness equipment (e.g., treadmills, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, barbells, dumbbells, TRX straps, Bosu Balls, vibration plates, or resistance bands)
* Always be well hydrated before and during a KAATSU session.
* If used properly (e.g., never with heavy weights or resistance), there should be either little or no post-workout muscle soreness (DOMS) or potentially injurious strain on your musculoskeletal system.
* A pink or rosy color, or even a beefy red, with vein distention should be visible on your arms or legs during KAATSU. Always check that your Capillary Refill Time (CRT) is faster than 3 seconds (as in "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three").
* There should be no whiteness, grayness, or blueness in your limbs or clammy skin during KAATSU. This is an indication of occlusion where arterial blood flow is impeded - which is exactly what KAATSU is not intended to do.

Injury Rehabilitation
* With muscle tears or strains, connective tissue (ligament or tendon) tears or strains, and bone contusions, cracks, or breaks, the Progressive KAATSU Cycle modality - both single-limb KAATSU and double-limb KAATSU - is a proven means to enhance and speed up recovery from injuries.
* Ideally, 2-3 KAATSU sessions are performed daily.
* Each session should include 3-6 KAATSU Cycle sets on the arms and the legs.
* The KAATSU Cycle sets can be performed on the injured side or injured limb only (i.e., 'single-limb' KAATSU) or on both sides or limbs (i.e., 'double-limb' KAATSU).
* The first set should always be on the Low SKU pressure setting. Subsequent sets can be either Medium or High SKU pressure settings.

Post-workout or Post-competition Recovery
* In order to effectively and efficiently remove metabolic waste after a workout or competition, the Progressive KAATSU Cycle mode should be performed as soon after the workout or competition.
* Always start off the first set in the Low SKU pressure setting.
* Subsequent Cycle sets can be either Medium or High SKU pressure settings.

Additional information can be heard on the following podcasts:

* Open Water Swimmer's Podcast with Steven Munatones (listen here)
* Marathon Swim Stories: Deep Dive at SCAR (listen here)
* Talking Open Water Swimming With Steven Munatones (listen here)

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

The Hare & The Tortoise - DIfferent Approaches of KAATSU

Many KAATSU users want to know the benefits of, and the differences between, the KAATSU Constant mode and the KAATSU Cycle mode.

The KAATSU Constant mode is a means in which the KAATSU Air Bands (narrow, stretchable, elastic, oval-shaped pneumatic bands) are inflated to a certain pressure and then maintained for short periods up to 10 minutes.

The KAATSU Cycle mode is a means in which the KAATSU Air Bands are repeatedly, progressively, incrementally, gently, and briefly inflated for brief periods (up to 60 seconds, with 30 seconds being standard) and then deflated (up to 20 seconds, with 5 seconds being standard).

More specifically, KAATSU users want to know if the hormonal response to KAATSU is a function of intensity? Or, asked differently, does the hormonal response differ between easy sets of KAATSU Cycle sets versus harder sets using the KAATSU Constant mode?

The answer to these questions can be partly explained using the fable of The Hare & The Tortoise.

The hormonal response can be a function of intensity, but it is also a function of time under tension. That is, some KAATSU users like exerting maximum all-out intensity with weight training or strength building exercises. These types of users can very specifically feel the muscle burn (i.e., the lactate build-up) while they exercise in the KAATSU Constant mode. This form of KAATSU generates both a satisfying sense of physiological and psychological accomplishment.

This KAATSU Constant workout directly leads to a significant and quick lactate increase that serves as a well-documented catalyst for a robust secretion of Human Growth Hormone and other related hormones. But this intensity is generally short in duration (even assuming a user's tolerance for pain is off the charts like 15-20 mmol/L of lactate). In these cases, the hormonal response is clearly significant.

This is the Hare approach to KAATSU: quick, fast, to the point.

But users can compare this total volume of hormonal secretion in a maximum effort, albeit relatively brief and intense (i.e., "The Hare" approach), to the total volume of hormonal secretion in a slow, gradually incremental, repeated, relatively gentle, sustained effort using the KAATSU Cycle mode (i.e., "The Tortoise" approach).

That is, with the KAATSU Cycle mode - even while doing relatively easy movements (e.g., walking, typing on a computer, reading, stretching, yoga) - the total hormonal response is comparable (even greater) simply because the time during tension (while the KAATSU Air Bands are repeatedly inflated and deflated) is much longer.

In fact, at the 2022 World Congress of Sports Medicine, sports scientists from the University of Brighton gave a presentation on the differences and outcomes of these two approaches (i.e., KAATSU Cycle versus KAATSU Constant). They wanted to compare the psychophysiological and perceptual responses between KAATSU Cycle and KAATSU Constant modes.

Their conclusions were as follows:

* The KAATSU Cycle mode leads to similar hypertrophic muscular adaptations to the KAATSU Constant mode, but with lower perceived pain and exertion compared to the continuous BFR mode.
* The blood lactate values were significantly higher following the KAATSU Cycle sets compared no KAATSU and were similar to the KAATSU Constant sets.
* The perceived pain was significantly higher in the KAATSU Constant mode. That is, the KAATSU Cycle induced less pain and discomfort.
* The perceived fatigue was significantly higher in the KAATSU Constant mode. That is, the KAATSU Cycle induced less fatigue.
* The KAATSU Cycle enhance cognitive responses to a greater extent that the KAATSU Constant mode.

Within KAATSU Global, all its employees daily and frequently use the KAATSU Cycle mode because they can "double-stack" (i.e., easily, gently, and repeatedly do KAATSU Cycle sets as a secondary activity while focusing on a primary activity such as typing emails, participating in conference calls, walking and/or talking or reading) - while generating a similar or greater hormonal responses with much less perceived effort and pain.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Soreness, DOMS and KAATSU

New KAATSU users often ask if KAATSU protocols will help relieve or minimize muscle soreness from (non-KAATSU) exercise or work. They wonder if using KAATSU helps speeds the healing process.

The answer is yes if they follow the standard KAATSU Cycle recovery protocols as follows:

* Start doing Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets as soon as possible after the exercise or work that induces DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
* Note: Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets gradually increase SKU pressures every 5 minutes. That is, use Low SKU pressure settings in the first few KAATSU Cycle sets; then proceed to Medium SKU pressure settings in the next few KAATSU Cycle sets; then proceed to High SKU pressure settings (if tolerable) in the last few KAATSU Cycle sets.
* It is important to do these Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets on both your arms and legs because the effects are systemic (impacting the whole body).
* Ideally, users cando 3-6 sets on their arms, followed by 3-6 sets on their legs. So, for example, experienced users do 1-2 sets on Low Pressure, 1-2 sets on Medium Pressure, 1-2 sets on High Pressure. Of course, users can modify this progression as is appropriate for them. That is, if High pressure is too high, then they can do additional Low and Medium Pressure sets. If Low pressure is too low for them (after the initial set), then they can move quickly to Medium pressure and High pressure. This Progression is a matter of personal preference and practical experience with KAATSU.
* Be very well hydrated before and during the Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets.

Users also ask if they can develop muscle soreness with KAATSU. They can, in numerous ways:

* Do a certain type of exercise for the first time with KAATSU equipment on. For example, older users who normally do not do Heel Raises occasionally complain about soreness in their calves when they do Heel Raises with KAATSU equipment on for the first time.
* Do not be well hydrated or well rested (e.g., jetlagged) while doing a longer (sustained), highly intense KAATSU session.
* Do KAATSU with heavy weights or the same level of resistance that they would do without KAATSU.
* Do intense body weights movements with KAATSU (e.g., burpees, running uphill, or running in soft sand at the beach, many push-ups, holding planks for sustained periods)
* Do KAATSU twice per day during the first week of KAATSU usage or at inappropriate high pressures.
* Do KAATSU with inadequate Capillary Refill Time (CRT). That is, never do KAATSU when your CRT on the hands or on the legs is slower than 3 seconds. This is an indication that arterial flow is being impeded - which is not a proper form of KAATSU.
* Never use the KAATSU Cycle mode while doing KAATSU.
* Never start off in the Low SKU pressure setting before starting a KAATSU session.
* Never do Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets as a form of warm-up.
* Do the KAATSU Constant mode after long periods of inactivity or immobility (e.g., after being bedridden with a serious injury), leading a sedentary lifestyle, after removing a cast, or coming off of rehabilitation while limited to a wheelchair.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global

Military Amputees Appreciate KAATSU to Help Improve Quality of Life

For who? amputees For what? pain mitigation, strength building, functional movement Justin Sponaugle is a US Marine whose lower left arm was recently amputated.

Operation Healing Forces granted him a new KAATSU C3 and Sponaugle is putting it to good and immediate use.

John Doolittle, a retired Navy SEAL captain and CRO for KAATSU Global explains, "The mission of Operation Healing Forces (OHF) is to help active-duty and recent veteran wounded, ill and injured Special Operations Forces and their families with mental, physical and emotional healing. Its goal is to help them return to the fight or transition successfully into civilian life."

Sponaugle is one of those individuals with a specific need.

Sponaugle said after his initial use of KAATSU, "After only two KAATSU Cycles (about 12 minutes of pressure on and pressure off on the KAATSU C3 unit), the bone doesn't hurt as much and I can definitely move it with a whole lot less pain.

KAATSU improves the circulation on my amputated arm which results in better sensor contact inside my prosthetic - which enables me to move my prosthetic much more efficiently.

At night, before bed, my neuropathic pain is significantly reduced after the KAATSU Cycle sets.

I have better circulation, better control, and it feels good. This is absolutely amazing and impressive. KAATSU Strong."

Sponaugle is part of a niche group of KAATSU users among the military veteran amputee population that experiences residual limb pain, phantom pain, and neuropathic pain. This population includes special operators including Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and those in other branches due to injuries suffered during military conflicts.

There are four concurrent stimuli that help the significant alleviation of pain for these amputees with the KAATSU C3 and B1 equipment and its Progressive Cycle protocols:

1. Gradual, repeated, and incremental engorgement and release of blood in the capillary beds due to the automated Progressive KAATSU Cycle modality.
2. Production of serum lactate with mild and relaxed movements (e.g., hand clenches) performed during the automated Progressive KAATSU Cycle sets.
3. Effective and gentle activation of the peripheral nerves in the residual limb due to the engorgement of the capillary beds.
4. Post-KAATSU production of β-endorphin results and functions to decrease physical stress and maintain homeostasis resulting in pain management.

The Progressive KAATSU Cycle enables the body to replicate conditions as if a limb still exists. This modality is the catalyst to produce a variety of hormones and metabolites that help alleviate pain, albeit temporarily (i.e., 2-4 hours). However, multiple sessions per day can be done with ease and convenience, so the veteran’s lifestyle is not interrupted, but rather enhanced.

Benefits: The impact leads to a pain medication reduction, improved and easier control of prostheses, a reduction in the continuous fluctuation of the residual limb size, and improved mental positivity.

Copyright © 2014 - 2023 by KAATSU Global