For who? Working adults
For what? Fitness, wellness, stress relief, recovery
When BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) is viewed online, the images show many very fit, very strong, rather young people looking ripped. But a vast majority of KAATSU the Original BFR users are older people, including a majority of aging Baby Boomers who are not necessarily ripped, but interested in becoming more fit and reducing the pains and discomfort of their joints, back, neck and hips.
So while High Intensity Interval Training and resistance training (weightlifting) can be done with KAATSU equipment, it is much more highly recommended to simply move.
KAATSU Fitness spans all kinds of outdoor activities:
* Walk on the beach
* walk with your dog
* have fun with your friends
* do yoga
* fly a kite
* wash your car
With KAATSU Air Bands on in the KAATSU Cycle mode, a simple activity like walking or playing around will generate the metabolic equivalent of a moderate or higher intensity workout.
The easy to moderate movements with KAATSU equipment in the KAATSU Cycle mode will help overall fitness while being convenient to use and much more sustainable over a lifetime instead of intermittedly doing high intensity periods of training - and then quitting over time.
Copyright © 2014 - 2021 by KAATSU Global
Showing posts with label BFR
KAATSU Cycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BFR
KAATSU Cycle. Show all posts
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Monday, April 15, 2019
The Body's Healing Capabilities: KAATSU Self-Care Protocols
For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? self-care, Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
Day 1 and Day 7 Photos
Before and after photos of a young female's toes - one week of doing daily KAATSU protocols, 20 minutes per day
Day 4 and Day 9 Photos
Before and after photos of a young female's toes after doing the daily KAATSU protocols, 20 minutes per day
KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil utilizes the KAATSU Cycle on his handheld KAATSU Nano for a wide variety of purposes, from increasing the range of motion and strength for paraplegics to improving the muscular strength of Olympic athletes. He does this utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode on a daily basis with individual sessions no longer than 20 minutes each. The efficiency and efficacy of his protocols are unheard of.
Tawil also utilizes the KAATSU Cycle to help the body heal itself of unsightly problems as varied as improving and eliminating toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in the nail or cuts in the skin. The toenails change color or become thicker while it can cause pain. Because toes are often warm and damp, fungus grows well there. Different kinds of fungi and sometimes yeast affect different parts of the nail.
"The photos above show the progress Victoria is experiencing with her toenail fungus," Tawil explained. "When I first started the KAATSU Cycle Self-Care Protocols, she had fungus, ingrowths, dead skin, facia and overall stagnation. After treating comfortably and easily over the last few weeks, she is now enjoying stretchy new skin.
We combined KAATSU Cycles with coconut oil, oregano, magnesium and salt for their antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antibiotic properties.
While doing KAATSU Cycles with the KAATSU Nano, we gently stretched the toe, her skin, the ankle joint, and her overall foot. We also gave her a magnesium and salt bath for additional antiseptic properties that enabled her local muscles to relax. This combination initially led to a total removal of stagnation that stopped the fungus in its path. She moisturized her skin with oils and greatly improved the blood circulation with KAATSU Cycles.
Concurrently, she continued to flex and stretch her toes, feet and ankles and kept her feet and toes clean. We could have also added the standard KAATSU 3-point Leg Protocols (e.g., Heel Raises + Leg Curls + Quarter Squats) if she had wanted, but these exercises are entirely optional.
In summary, the KAATSU Cycle Self-Care Protocol is simple: essentially, clean, hydrate, oxygenate with KAATSU Cycles.
The result was the elimination of edema (swelling was reduced via KAATSU), no more curling of the toenails with oil, magnesium, salt, toenail clippers, and the elimination of fungus with KAATSU, antiseptics, and good hygiene."
Copyright © 2014-2019 by KAATSU Global
For what? self-care, Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
Day 1 and Day 7 Photos
Before and after photos of a young female's toes - one week of doing daily KAATSU protocols, 20 minutes per day
Day 4 and Day 9 Photos
Before and after photos of a young female's toes after doing the daily KAATSU protocols, 20 minutes per day
KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil utilizes the KAATSU Cycle on his handheld KAATSU Nano for a wide variety of purposes, from increasing the range of motion and strength for paraplegics to improving the muscular strength of Olympic athletes. He does this utilizing the KAATSU Cycle mode on a daily basis with individual sessions no longer than 20 minutes each. The efficiency and efficacy of his protocols are unheard of.
Tawil also utilizes the KAATSU Cycle to help the body heal itself of unsightly problems as varied as improving and eliminating toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in the nail or cuts in the skin. The toenails change color or become thicker while it can cause pain. Because toes are often warm and damp, fungus grows well there. Different kinds of fungi and sometimes yeast affect different parts of the nail.
"The photos above show the progress Victoria is experiencing with her toenail fungus," Tawil explained. "When I first started the KAATSU Cycle Self-Care Protocols, she had fungus, ingrowths, dead skin, facia and overall stagnation. After treating comfortably and easily over the last few weeks, she is now enjoying stretchy new skin.
We combined KAATSU Cycles with coconut oil, oregano, magnesium and salt for their antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antibiotic properties.
While doing KAATSU Cycles with the KAATSU Nano, we gently stretched the toe, her skin, the ankle joint, and her overall foot. We also gave her a magnesium and salt bath for additional antiseptic properties that enabled her local muscles to relax. This combination initially led to a total removal of stagnation that stopped the fungus in its path. She moisturized her skin with oils and greatly improved the blood circulation with KAATSU Cycles.
Concurrently, she continued to flex and stretch her toes, feet and ankles and kept her feet and toes clean. We could have also added the standard KAATSU 3-point Leg Protocols (e.g., Heel Raises + Leg Curls + Quarter Squats) if she had wanted, but these exercises are entirely optional.
In summary, the KAATSU Cycle Self-Care Protocol is simple: essentially, clean, hydrate, oxygenate with KAATSU Cycles.
The result was the elimination of edema (swelling was reduced via KAATSU), no more curling of the toenails with oil, magnesium, salt, toenail clippers, and the elimination of fungus with KAATSU, antiseptics, and good hygiene."
Copyright © 2014-2019 by KAATSU Global
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Break One Limb, KAATSU The Others
For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? mobility, flexibility, recovery
KAATSU users often ask how KAATSU can be safely used as part of their rehabilitation of a broken limb, especially when the injured arm or leg must be keep immobilized as it heals.
Similar to what Olympic silver medalist Todd Lodwick accomplished in the 28 days prior to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games when he came back in an unprecedented time from a broken humerus and torn ligaments in his left arm, KAATSU users can perform KAATSU two or three per day if they primarily use the KAATSU Cycle mode on their other three healthy limbs. Surgeon Dr. Jim Stray-Gundersen, the then attending US Ski & Snowboard Association physician responsible for Lodwick's recovery said, "His recovery was unheard of with the incorporation of KAATSU."
The standard KAATSU 3-Point Exercises in the KAATSU Cycle mode can be used: Hand Clenches + Biceps Curls + Triceps Extensions on the arms plus Heel Raises + Leg Curls + Non-lock Partial Quarter Squats on the legs. KAATSU Walking or KAATSU Aqua Walking can be performed as one very effective alternative in the injury is in the arms. The KAATSU Cycles, ideally, should be performed in the mornings and then within one hour of bedtime.
The effects are best if the movement of the healthy limbs is slow and steady. Ideally, the muscles in movement should be contracted in both the positive and negative directions.
The reason why KAATSU on the healthy limbs is effective is because KAATSU has systemic effects all over the body, including in the injured limb - even if KAATSU is not done on that limb.
At the Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Center for Translational Musculoskeletal Research and the University of Indianapolis Department of Kinesiology, Dr. Alan Mikesky and his research team researched the crossover effects of KAATSU [see Modified KAATSU Training: Adaptations and Subject Perceptions here]. In his research, Professor Mikesky was looking to confirm the systemic effects of KAATSU.
The researchers applied KAATSU Air Bands on only one arm of subjects and tested the strength, girth, tomography scans along with RPE (Rated Perceived Exertion scale) of both arms of the subjects.
The research team correctly did KAATSU and measured both the Base SKU (which they called “Cuff Tightness Pressure in mm Hg"and Optimal SKU (which they called “Cuff Inflation Pressure in mm Hg”) levels.
It should be noted that the SKU levels were conservative for relatively young subjects. The subjects started at 10 Base SKU in Week 1 and increased to 30 Base SKU by Week 8; they started at 90 Base SKU in Week 1 and increased to 180 Base SKU by Week 8. Both the KAATSU arm and the non-KAATSU arm girth increased (measured in cm between Week 0 and Week 8):
Non-KAATSU Arm (cm) girth:
Week 0: 22.7 cm
Week 2: 24.3 cm
Week 4: 24.9 cm
Week 6: 25.7 cm
Week 8: 26.1 cm
KAATSU Arm (cm) girth:
Week 0: 23.0 cm
Week 2: 23.2 cm
Week 4: 24.5 cm
Week 6: 25.4 cm
Week 8: 26.1 cm
The research showed how doing KAATSU on one limb can have crossover (systemic) effects on the other limb - a very important goal for individuals with one injured limb who is trying to recover.
In the video above, this effect was practically demonstrated was with 2010 Olympic silver medalist Todd Lodwick who broke his left arm and torn his ligaments 28 days before the 2014 Winter Olympics. With KAATSU done on his non-injured limbs, he was able to compete admirably well in both the ski jumping and the Nordic combined events after only 5 weeks of KAATSU.
During his rehabilitation, the staff at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association noted that Lodwick was getting too muscular after a few weeks of KAATSU - despite his broken bone and torn ligaments and doing no weights or traditional strength training exercises. In response, his SKU levels was reduced and he stretched more and did low-pressure, post-workout KAATSU Cycles so his muscle hypertrophy was not accelerated (see above). Personally, Lodwick liked the effects and ultimately was able to compete.
In summary, doing KAATSU on healthy limbs can have direct crossover benefits to the recovery, strength and girth of an injured limb or core.
Another previous study conducted in Japan is entitled Cross-Transfer Effects of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction (see here).
Silver medalist Todd Lodwick is shown above doing similar KAATSU training after his skiing accident and was able to rehabilitate and recover quickly enough to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.
Copyright © 2014 - 2019 by KAATSU Global
For what? mobility, flexibility, recovery
KAATSU users often ask how KAATSU can be safely used as part of their rehabilitation of a broken limb, especially when the injured arm or leg must be keep immobilized as it heals.
Similar to what Olympic silver medalist Todd Lodwick accomplished in the 28 days prior to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games when he came back in an unprecedented time from a broken humerus and torn ligaments in his left arm, KAATSU users can perform KAATSU two or three per day if they primarily use the KAATSU Cycle mode on their other three healthy limbs. Surgeon Dr. Jim Stray-Gundersen, the then attending US Ski & Snowboard Association physician responsible for Lodwick's recovery said, "His recovery was unheard of with the incorporation of KAATSU."
The standard KAATSU 3-Point Exercises in the KAATSU Cycle mode can be used: Hand Clenches + Biceps Curls + Triceps Extensions on the arms plus Heel Raises + Leg Curls + Non-lock Partial Quarter Squats on the legs. KAATSU Walking or KAATSU Aqua Walking can be performed as one very effective alternative in the injury is in the arms. The KAATSU Cycles, ideally, should be performed in the mornings and then within one hour of bedtime.
The effects are best if the movement of the healthy limbs is slow and steady. Ideally, the muscles in movement should be contracted in both the positive and negative directions.
The reason why KAATSU on the healthy limbs is effective is because KAATSU has systemic effects all over the body, including in the injured limb - even if KAATSU is not done on that limb.
At the Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Center for Translational Musculoskeletal Research and the University of Indianapolis Department of Kinesiology, Dr. Alan Mikesky and his research team researched the crossover effects of KAATSU [see Modified KAATSU Training: Adaptations and Subject Perceptions here]. In his research, Professor Mikesky was looking to confirm the systemic effects of KAATSU.
The researchers applied KAATSU Air Bands on only one arm of subjects and tested the strength, girth, tomography scans along with RPE (Rated Perceived Exertion scale) of both arms of the subjects.
The research team correctly did KAATSU and measured both the Base SKU (which they called “Cuff Tightness Pressure in mm Hg"and Optimal SKU (which they called “Cuff Inflation Pressure in mm Hg”) levels.
It should be noted that the SKU levels were conservative for relatively young subjects. The subjects started at 10 Base SKU in Week 1 and increased to 30 Base SKU by Week 8; they started at 90 Base SKU in Week 1 and increased to 180 Base SKU by Week 8. Both the KAATSU arm and the non-KAATSU arm girth increased (measured in cm between Week 0 and Week 8):
Non-KAATSU Arm (cm) girth:
Week 0: 22.7 cm
Week 2: 24.3 cm
Week 4: 24.9 cm
Week 6: 25.7 cm
Week 8: 26.1 cm
KAATSU Arm (cm) girth:
Week 0: 23.0 cm
Week 2: 23.2 cm
Week 4: 24.5 cm
Week 6: 25.4 cm
Week 8: 26.1 cm
The research showed how doing KAATSU on one limb can have crossover (systemic) effects on the other limb - a very important goal for individuals with one injured limb who is trying to recover.
In the video above, this effect was practically demonstrated was with 2010 Olympic silver medalist Todd Lodwick who broke his left arm and torn his ligaments 28 days before the 2014 Winter Olympics. With KAATSU done on his non-injured limbs, he was able to compete admirably well in both the ski jumping and the Nordic combined events after only 5 weeks of KAATSU.
During his rehabilitation, the staff at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association noted that Lodwick was getting too muscular after a few weeks of KAATSU - despite his broken bone and torn ligaments and doing no weights or traditional strength training exercises. In response, his SKU levels was reduced and he stretched more and did low-pressure, post-workout KAATSU Cycles so his muscle hypertrophy was not accelerated (see above). Personally, Lodwick liked the effects and ultimately was able to compete.
In summary, doing KAATSU on healthy limbs can have direct crossover benefits to the recovery, strength and girth of an injured limb or core.
Another previous study conducted in Japan is entitled Cross-Transfer Effects of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction (see here).
Silver medalist Todd Lodwick is shown above doing similar KAATSU training after his skiing accident and was able to rehabilitate and recover quickly enough to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.
Copyright © 2014 - 2019 by KAATSU Global
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Andre Metzger On KAATSU Magazine Cover
For who? wrestlers, Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
Andre Metzger is on the cover of the fifth issue of the monthly KAATSU Magazine.
Andre Metzger was inducted in the Class of 2017 as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Metzger has been a KAATSU Master Specialist for nearly four years and has seen great results on himself and his wrestling athletes who he coaches at the University of North Texas.
He is a legendary high school wrestler from Michigan who won two NCAA titles for the University of Oklahoma and was a freestyle World medalist winning numerous international events over the course of his career.
His Hall of Fame induction reads as follows, "Andre Metzger is one of the greatest technicians in amateur wrestling history, and he wrestled and won more matches than anyone, competing in over 2,000 matches and winning 1,870 for an estimated winning percentage of 93.5%. He was a state champion at Cedar Springs High School in Michigan and was the first wrestler to win five junior national titles, capturing three freestyle and two Greco-Roman championships.
Before beginning his career at the University of Oklahoma, he wrestled in the 1979 World Championships and won a bronze medal to become the youngest American to medal in the World Championships at 19 years old.
He was a two-time NCAA champion and a four-time All-American for Oklahoma, winning titles in 1981 and 1982 after finishing second in 1980 and fifth in 1979.
Metzger was the United States Senior Greco-Roman champion in 1980 and a five-time U.S. Freestyle Champion, winning titles in 1979, 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1987. Metzger won gold medals at the Pan American Games in 1979 and 1987 while capturing silver medals at the World Cup in 1980, 1986 and 1988 and at the World Games in 1986. He was an alternate to Distinguished Member Nate Carr on the 1988 Olympic Freestyle team and defeated at least six Olympic gold medalists during his career.
He returned to the mat in 2012 at the age of 52 and competed for a spot on the U.S. Greco-Roman team.
Metzger was an assistant coach at Indiana University, University of North Carolina and Villanova University from 1983-88 and currently is the head coach at the University of North Texas as well as a member of the coaching staff for the Bombers of Frisco Wrestling Club."
Metzger describes below how KAATSU helps his collegiate wrestlers at the University of North Texas and the Bombers of Frisco Wrestling Club make weight before their bouts.
Metzger uses a KAATSU Nano and KAATSU Air Bands on his wrestlers' arms and legs (separately) with the appropriate Base SKU (compression) and Optimal SKU (compression) - while taking care to monitor their fluid intake.
Copyright © 2016 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
Andre Metzger is on the cover of the fifth issue of the monthly KAATSU Magazine. 
Andre Metzger was inducted in the Class of 2017 as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Metzger has been a KAATSU Master Specialist for nearly four years and has seen great results on himself and his wrestling athletes who he coaches at the University of North Texas.
He is a legendary high school wrestler from Michigan who won two NCAA titles for the University of Oklahoma and was a freestyle World medalist winning numerous international events over the course of his career.
His Hall of Fame induction reads as follows, "Andre Metzger is one of the greatest technicians in amateur wrestling history, and he wrestled and won more matches than anyone, competing in over 2,000 matches and winning 1,870 for an estimated winning percentage of 93.5%. He was a state champion at Cedar Springs High School in Michigan and was the first wrestler to win five junior national titles, capturing three freestyle and two Greco-Roman championships.
Before beginning his career at the University of Oklahoma, he wrestled in the 1979 World Championships and won a bronze medal to become the youngest American to medal in the World Championships at 19 years old.
He was a two-time NCAA champion and a four-time All-American for Oklahoma, winning titles in 1981 and 1982 after finishing second in 1980 and fifth in 1979.
Metzger was the United States Senior Greco-Roman champion in 1980 and a five-time U.S. Freestyle Champion, winning titles in 1979, 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1987. Metzger won gold medals at the Pan American Games in 1979 and 1987 while capturing silver medals at the World Cup in 1980, 1986 and 1988 and at the World Games in 1986. He was an alternate to Distinguished Member Nate Carr on the 1988 Olympic Freestyle team and defeated at least six Olympic gold medalists during his career.
He returned to the mat in 2012 at the age of 52 and competed for a spot on the U.S. Greco-Roman team.
Metzger was an assistant coach at Indiana University, University of North Carolina and Villanova University from 1983-88 and currently is the head coach at the University of North Texas as well as a member of the coaching staff for the Bombers of Frisco Wrestling Club."
Metzger describes below how KAATSU helps his collegiate wrestlers at the University of North Texas and the Bombers of Frisco Wrestling Club make weight before their bouts.
Metzger uses a KAATSU Nano and KAATSU Air Bands on his wrestlers' arms and legs (separately) with the appropriate Base SKU (compression) and Optimal SKU (compression) - while taking care to monitor their fluid intake.
Copyright © 2016 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor 12 Years Post-Car Accident
For who? brain injury survivors, Baby Boomers, retirees, car accident victims
For what? recovery
Photos above show car wreckage and Tina's x-ray of during swallow test.
Tina is a 47-year-old car accident survivor with traumatic brain injury (3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale) who has been quadriplegic for over 12 years.
After several weeks of KAATSU Cycles performed daily on her arms and legs, Tina, her family and her caregivers say the following:
1. Tina has eliminated her hyperbaric chamber dives.
2. Tina has eliminated her home visit physical therapy sessions.
3. Tina has rapidly improved her wound healing so the home health care nurse visits every other day, not every day like before.
4. She sleeps 8 hours through the night instead of waking up hourly as she always had to benefit her and her 24/7 care givers.
5. She feels warm now throughout the day. Previously she always felt cold.
6. Her spasmodic episodes are significantly reduced and her pain and discomfort levels are reduced.
7. She can do KAATSU full body pandiculations (stretches). This has enabled her body to begin less stiff and more flexible and easier to carry and move. This greatly benefits her 24/7 care givers and helps reduce the pain they feel in their own backs and shoulders.
8. She can move her feet and stretch her legs.
9. She can move her arms and is working towards feeding herself and using an icing bag to decorate cakes (her previous profession).
10. She looks forward to sharing her story with others in similar situations.
Day 0 on May 21st in Long Beach, California
Linda learned about KAATSU after watching Tap Nixon, a 74-year-old man, improve with KAATSU Cycle. For the past 12 years Delmar has been on the side of her younger sister, Tina, in the hospital, care facilities and finally home. A hit-and-run accident left Tina a quadriplegic when she was 35 years old [see wreck above].
Tina, a 47-year-old cake designer and decorator, survived a car accident in 2006 [3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale]. Linda explained that Tina experienced “internal decapitation” (medically known as an atlanto-occipital dislocation; atlas is the name of the topmost vertebral bone of the spine; the occipital bone forms the lower part of the back of the skull).
During the first six years after the accident, Tina lived in care facilities and breathed through a ventilator and tracheostomy tube. For the past six years, she has lived at home with Linda with 24/7 caregivers and therapists at her side 365 days a year.
Tina is mentally alert, very attentive, laughs, smiles, acknowledges conversations around her with expressive eyes. She speaks very softly.
After a KAATSU demonstration by the KAATSU Specialist, Linda became excited to try KAATSU Cycle on her own arms to see how it would feel on her sister. The KAATSU Specialist applied one KAATSU Air Band on her arms that quickly became pink with the resultant blood engorgement.
Linda started to move in an easy, rhythmic manner as she is a hula dancer. After a few minutes, Linda stated that she was feeling the burn and started sweating as if she was working out harder than she was. Tina listened intently to the explanation and carefully observed the demonstration.
The KAATSU Specialist asked Tina if she wanted to try. She said yes with a sparkle in her eye. Linda was asked if she could put the bands on Tina, but Tina said, “No...you” with her eyes focused on the KAATSU Specialist. The KAATSU Specialist placed a pink band on her right arm, her good arm that was less spastic than her left arm. Both hands remained in the clenched position and angled towards her torso.
The pink band was placed with a very, very light Base SKU (under 10 SKU). Tina confirmed that she felt comfortable with the band on her upper arm. Tina had previously mentioned that she wanted improved muscle tone.
The KAATSU Cycle mode was selected and an Optimal SKU pressure of 100 was selected (on the scale of 0-400 SKU on the KAATSU Nano device). Within seconds of the air being compressed into the pink band, Tina's skin tone almost immediately became a light pink color, obviously a shade darker than her normal skin tone. Her eyes glistened as she concurrently focused on the additional pressure she felt on her arms.
She proceeded to 3 KAATSU Cycles (3 minutes 20 seconds per Cycle): the first at 100 SKU, the second at 120 SKU, the third at 140 SKU as she verbally confirmed her consent.
The band was then removed after the 10 minutes of KAATSU.
The KAATSU Specialist asked her to try and move her hand. She was able to ever so slightly move her right hand. Linda and Yuri, her caregiver, appeared to be pleasantly surprised.
She was asked to attempt moving her right hand again. She moved her hand again with a slightly greater range of motion on the second attempt, but these movements clearly required significant effort and concentration on her part.
Linda took videos of the session as Tina and the KAATSU Specialist were focused and constantly sharing feedback about the sensations she felt, the resultant movements and skin color. It would have a great opportunity to place a Masimo MightySat Finger Pulse Oximeter on her finger to check her physiological data on the next-generation KAATSU Master 2.0, but her hands were constantly clenched in a spastic paralysis.
Then Tina said, “I feel warm” as her arm remained a slightly pink color.
The session ended as Tina agreed to meet the following day.
The KAATSU Specialist Steven Munatones remarked on what he just observed, "I felt all the years of listening and learning from [KAATSU inventor] Dr. Sato were all worth the effort - even for this one spectacular moment in a bedroom in Long Beach, California with a car accident and Traumatic Brain Injury survivor, her sister and her caregiver."
Day 2 on May 23rd in Long Beach, California
Yuri, the caregiver, said Tina slept very well - and snored loudly - after the KAATSU session on the previous day. This morning, she did not feel sore and felt good. Tina was excited and at considerable ease on the second day.
Caregiver Yuri placed two pink KAATSU Air Bands on her left and right arms. Tina agreed as the goal is to get the entire network of family members, therapists and caregivers certified as KAATSU Specialists so they are very confident and competent in applying and doing KAATSU by themselves.
Tina did 4 KAATSU Cycles at increasing Optimal SKU levels on both arms, starting at 100 SKU (i.e., 100 SKU on the first Cycle, 110 SKU on the second Cycle, 120 on the third Cycle, 140 SKU on the fourth Cycle). Her Base SKU was still low (i.e., under 10 SKU).
By the second KAATSU Cycle, both her arms had achieved a pink color, including around the scar tissue that is around a very long scar on her upper arm. Linda said, “I have never seen her scar get pink."
On the third KAATSU Cycle, Tina independently tried to move her hands. She concentrated deeply, squinted her eyes, and moved both hands at approximately 45°. Everyone smiled. Then, without prompting, Tina started to move her left arm. She closed her eyes and with a furrowed brow, she held her breath. Unbelievably, she did a complete bicep curl.
Linda was shocked and said, “In 12 years I have never seen her move her left arm straight up and as far as that. If she tries to move her left arm it takes tremendous effort and I can see her “thinking” about trying to move it. Before this moment, she has had to essentially move her whole right side to get a little movement from the left. Her brain stem injury precludes her from moving without ‘thinking about it’ as we do.
Tina, do that again!”
Again, Tina closed her eyes and her entire body shook as she attempted to move her left arm again. She was literally willing her arm up again as she held her breath. When she completed her second arm curl, it was clear that she was physically spent. She gave it everything she could as her body seemed to sink into her bed.
She finished her upper body workout with one more KAATSU Cycle. Then the arm bands were removed.
Yuri took Tina’s right hand and easily opened her fingers. Yuri had tried to open her clenched hand on Day One, but Tina did not want to do it because it hurt.
With the success of opening her right hand, Yuri took Tina’s left hand and did the same. Linda said, “In the past five years, Tina has had almost 200 hyperbaric oxygen session which opened her left hand so it didn’t dig into her palm. Today her hand opened even further with less effort.”
Tina was beaming with pride - and exhaustion - as she smiled in a supine position on her bed.
The KAATSU Specialist was getting ready to go, but then Tina whispered softly, “Legs?”
Yuri put the KAATSU Air Bands on her right leg with a very low Base SKU. Her left leg has a bacteria infection and bandage so it was decided to only focus on her right leg. The KAATSU Cycle mode was changed to LEG with an Optimal SKU of 100. Tina proceeded to 3 KAATSU Cycles at that pressure.
After the third KAATSU Cycle on her right leg, the band was removed. This time, Linda asked Tina if she could move her legs. She turned her feet very slightly inward, perhaps 5-10°. “Wow!” was the collective expression as everyone smiled.
Linda joked that Tina was really going to snore loudly on her post-KAATSU nap.
Day 3 on May 24th in Long Beach, California
KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil of New York visited Tina for her third consecutive KAATSU session.
But Tina just had experienced a total body spastic episode and was very uncomfortable. She also felt cold. Her caregiver had just finished giving her a massage, but it was clear that Tina was still in distress.
David asked her if she wanted to do KAATSU. "I would not have been surprised if she declined," Tawil said later. But Tina wanted to do KAATSU and proceeded to do 4 KAATSU Cycles at 100 SKU + 110 SKU + 120 SKU + 120 SKU pressure on both her arms. Without prompting, Tina suddenly did 10 consecutive biceps curls on her right arm as she moved her hands from near her waist upwards to her shoulders. She then focused on her weaker left arm and proceeded to do 6 consecutive biceps curls with her left arm in the supine position. Her improvement was remarkable the way she moved her arms and hands on her third KAATSU session of less than 15 minutes.
Tina clearly put in a tremendous effort into each of these movements of her left and right arms.
Tina then expressed an interest to eat for herself and then attempted to open her left hand by herself. She was not able to do anything but move very slightly one finger, but her attempt was admirable.
A pink KAATSU Air Band was then placed on her right leg and 2 KAATSU Cycles were performed (20 seconds of applied pressure followed by 5 seconds of release repeated 16 times). She then proceeded to move her toes inward.
Day 4 on May 25th in Long Beach, California
Tina repeated her KAATSU session on both arms and her right leg...ready for the following week.
"Our goal is to teach the standard KAATSU protocols to Tina’s sister Linda, her caregivers, and therapists over the next week so they all can work with Tina according to their own time schedules and availability - and comfort of their own home," said Munatones. "The convenience of KAATSU - to be able to do anywhere at anytime - is compelling."
Day 5 on May 26th in Long Beach, California
Tina repeated her KAATSU session on both arms and her right leg.
Day 6 on May 28th in Long Beach, California
Tina repeated her KAATSU session on both arms and her right leg. She used the new KAATSU Aqua Bands on her arms with a Base pressure of 10 SKU. She did four KAATSU Cycles at 100 SKU, 110 SKU, 140 SKU and 150 SKU. She did some arm contractions and biceps curls on her right arm while she was propped up in her bed.
After her upper body workout was completed, Yuri placed a plastic fork in her right hand and she attempted to bring the utensil to her mouth. She got her hand holding the fork to approximately a 90° angle with considerable effort. She was also able to move her right shoulder for the first time.
Yuri then placed the plastic fork in her left hand and she attempted to bring the utensil to her mouth. She got her hand holding the fork to approximately 45° with considerable effort while her body shook withe effort. She also felt warm and started to perspire due to her effort.
Tina finished her workout with a standard KAATSU Air Band on her right leg with a Base pressure of 10 SKU. She did 4 KAATSU Cycles at 150 SKU, 160 SKU, 190 SKU, and 200 SKU. After the second and third Cycles, she asked for the pressure to be increased.
Day 7 on May 29th in Long Beach, California
Tina did 4 KAATSU Cycles on both her arms followed by 4 KAATSU Cycles on her right leg.
She used a Base SKU level of 10 on both her arms and leg with Optimal SKU levels of 100 + 120 +140 + 150 respectively on her arms and Optimal SKU levels of 150 + 160 +180 + 200 respectively on her legs.
After these Cycles, the bands were removed and a spoon was placed in both her right hand and then her left hand by Yuri. This is the exercise that she followed up with:
She ended the session by giving a fist pump to the KAATSU Specialist [see above].
Day 8 on May 30th in Long Beach, California
Tina did 4 KAATSU Cycles on both her arms followed by 4 KAATSU Cycles on her right leg.
She used a Base SKU level of 10 on both her arms and leg with Optimal SKU levels of 100 + 120 +140 + 150 respectively on her arms and Optimal SKU levels of 150 + 160 +180 + 200 respectively on her legs.
During these arm Cycles, a spoon was placed in her right hand and she attempted to raise the spoon to her mouth.
Then she followed up her upper body workout with elevated leg extensions with both legs in the supine position with the band on her right leg [see video below from Day 9]:
Day 9 on June 1st in Long Beach, California
Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on both her arms followed by 5 KAATSU Cycles on her right leg.
She used a Base SKU level of 10 on both her arms and leg with Optimal SKU levels of 100 + 120 +140 + 150 + 150 respectively on her arms and Optimal SKU levels of 150 + 160 +180 + 200 + 200 respectively on her legs.
During the last two arm Cycles, a spoon was placed in the professional cake decorator's right hand and she attempted to raise the spoon to her mouth.
Then she followed up her upper body workout with elevated leg extensions in the supine position with both legs:
She had a lower back pain before the KAATSU session started in which she felt relief after her KAATSU session was over.
Her sister and caregivers have been taught the standard KAATSU protocols and will conduct the KAATSU sessions by themselves over the weekend. They will be given the opportunity to become certified KAATSU Specialists by taking the 100-question online certification examination.
Day 12 on June 1st in Long Beach, California
After doing 5 KAATSU Cycles between 100 - 170 SKU on her arms, Tina did calf and leg exercises and whole body pandiculation during KAATSU Cycles at a Base pressure of 10 SKU and Optimal pressure between 150-220 SKU on her legs. Her body continues to feel warm upon doing KAATSU Cycles.
Day 15 on June 4th in Long Beach, California
After doing 5 KAATSU Cycles between 100 - 170 SKU on her arms including biceps curls with a plastic spon, Tina did calf and leg exercises and whole body pandiculation during KAATSU Cycles at a Base pressure of 10 SKU and Optimal pressure between 150-220 SKU. Her body continues to feel warm upon doing KAATSU Cycles.
Day 16 on June 4th in Long Beach, California
Tina felt sore after her vigorous workout yesterday so we decided to go easy. Today was simply a recovery day using KAATSU Cycles without movement or exercises.
She simply did 5 KAATSU Cycles between 100 - 170 SKU on her arms without hand clenches or biceps curls with a plastic spoon and 5 KAATSU Cycles between 150-200 SKU on her legs without calf and leg exercises and whole body pandiculations. While Tina was doing the KAATSU Cycles, her caregiver Yuri explains the differences she has seen in her hands since starting KAATSU:
Day 17 on June 4th in Long Beach, California
After a recovery day on Day 16, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her arms (with an Optimal SKU of 100 + 120 + 140 + 160 + 180).
Then she did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her legs (with an Optimal SKU of 150 + 170 + 190 + 200 + 201) while her caregiver Yuri Ramirez helped her do a variety of exercises:
1. Yuri lifts her knee while Tina pushes forward against resistance to work on her quadricep and hamstring.
2. Yuri grabs against Tina's back while Tina pushes back to work on her back and neck muscles. It is important to help Tina gain more muscle and control her neck when she is moved.
3. Yuri rotates her ankles that helps her feet and calves feel better.
After a steady recovery over a 3-week period where she is enjoying improved sleep patterns, improved muscle tone, more relaxation, significantly greater movement and mobility, and improved wound recovery, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her arms (with an Optimal SKU of 100 + 120 + 140 + 160 + 180) on Day 17.
After her upper body workout, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her legs (with an Optimal SKU of 150 + 170 + 190 + 200 + 201) while her caregiver Yuri helped her do a variety of exercises:
1. Yuri lifts her knee while Tina pushes forward against resistance to work on her quadricep and hamstring.
2. Yuri grabs against Tina's back while Tina pushes back to work on her back and neck muscles. It is important to help Tina gain more muscle and control her neck when she is moved.
3. Yuri rotates her ankles that helps her feet and calves feel better.
By Day 26, she was doing the following exercises:
July 1st in Long Beach, California
Tina was able to put an icing bag in her right hand, squeeze it, and plans to soon start decorating a cake for the first time in 12 years.
Dr. Yoshiaki Sato participated in a question-and-answer session on KAATSU usage with, by and for people with paralysis:
Q1. Why does a patient with paralysis become more relaxed and sleep better after doing KAATSU?
A1. The sympathetic nervous system has been activated for a long time. When KAATSU is performed, the sympathetic nervous system relaxes as the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated and patients with paralysis are able to sleep well [after KAATSU]. Also, mechanical stress - which is a good stress - occurs and they can sleep comfortably.
Q2. What is the mechanism that enables an increased passive range of motion in her elbows, hands, and ankles?
A2. After the accident, joints became harden and spastic [for a long time, decades]. The tendons and ligaments become harden. Relaxed by KAATSU, because the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are well activated, the joints and muscles become loosened. This increases its range of motion. There are tendons within the muscles, but they will not become soft soon. Over time, however, the tendons gradually softens over the course of many months.
Q3. The muscle and ligament contractures in their elbows, wrists, fingers and ankle plantar flexors are rigid. Can you predict how much a patient with paralysis can improve her range of motion?
A3. Patients with paralysis have been tense for a long time and their bodies became stiff as a result. It is very important to make concentrated efforts just like climbing stairs, step by step. They should not be impatient. Movement towards their goals might go in a good direction if they keep making steady effort.
Q4. Why do quadriplegic patients feel less pain?
A4. The pain is relieved because of the secretion of beta-endorphins, which is called intra-cerebral anesthesia in the brain. Also, the nerves of the muscle fibers that were in a sleeping state around the damaged muscle fibers are awakened by the application of KAATSU. Thus, the pain is relieved.
Q5. There are some red spots that showed up on a quadriplegic’s right thigh after the initial session. Was the Base SKU too high initially?
A5. You can judge that the patient's blood vessels are weak due to the appearance of red spots on the skin. Perhaps next time, when KAATSU is applied with the same SKU, these tiny red specks might disappear. Some people might say that KAATSU is dangerous because the red spots appeared or KAATSU might cause blood clots. The red spots indicates that stimulation was sufficiently given to blood vessels. It is important to start with KAATSU Cycle 1 (i.e., 100 SKU) for people who are trying KAATSU for the first time and gradually move on to KAATSU Cycle 2 (e.g., 120 SKU), Cycle 3 and on.
Q6. Should we worry about blood clots in immobile patients? Does the potential for existing clots change KAATSU protocols?
A6. The potential for kicking off blood clots will not change as long as you do the KAATSU Cycle. Start with pressurization for 30 seconds and depressurization for 5 seconds (i.e., KAATSU Cycle on and then off). Since the blood vessels gradually increase resistance against pressure and patient's blood vessels get used to SKU and can tolerate it. Do not worry about thrombosis.
Q7. If patients eat poorly, what should we worry about with KAATSU?
A7. Improving one’s diet in parallel with doing KAATSU is one kind of treatment. The three goals - exercise, good diet and sufficient sleep are important to become healthier. It is necessary to balance these three factors.
Q8. Do you recommend 2 full cycles, 2 times a day? What do you recommend for daily KAATSU usage?
A8. The daily usage of KAATSU varies according to patient's abilities and their level of physical fitness. In the case of patients where spasticity tends to easily occur, even if their body loosens after one KAATSU session, it is possible that they will return to their original state after a few minutes. Rather than deciding whether to do one or two KAATSU Cycles, the amount of KAATSU should be decided by the patient. Generally, the more serious the patient, the more times they should do the KAATSU Cycle. Conversely, for less serious patients, the less time should be spent doing KAATSU. That is, the number of times doing KAATSU Cycles should be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Q9. Why do patients with spinal cord injuries feel warm during KAATSU - especially when they have no sensation in the same limb?
A9. The fact that their body feels warm after KAATSU is evidence that new blood vessels were created. Normally, there is no medical treatment to create new blood vessels instantly, but KAATSU instantly creates new capillaries. Blood flows to those points in the body and their body warms up. Conversely, when the body is exposed to below the freezing temperatures, capillaries are pulled away and the body becomes cold.
Q10. Why does KAATSU appear to help with neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients?
A10. For not only the patients with spinal injuries, but also the patients with various diseases, when they do KAATSU, cells and muscle fibers that have not been used until now start to work. Consider the case if there are 100 soldiers, but only 10 of them have been working. When those 10 soldiers are injured, the 90 other soldiers will start working on behalf of those 10 people.
Q11. The Masimo device measures Perfusion Index (an indication of the pulse strength at the sensor site). The Perfusion Index values range from 0.02% for very weak pulse to 20% for extremely strong pulse. Normally, the Perfusion Index decreases during KAATSU, but why does the Perfusion Index often increase during KAATSU for a client with a spinal cord injury?
A11. KAATSU immediately creates new blood vessels and the blood fills the place where no blood was flowing until then. Naturally, the perfusion index will increase in this case.
Q12. For spinal cord injury patients, Capillary Refill Time is often very slow with no KAATSU pressure, and speeds up during KAATSU. Why?
A12. Since the blood flow reaches every corner [in the limb], Capillary Refill Time is accelerated. New blood vessels are increased. When you do KAATSU, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) new blood vessel growth factor hormone increases. KAATSU effects have continued to surprise me.
Q13. If neural pathways are NOT intact (for example, with a completely severed spinal cord) for an individual with a spinal cord injury, why does the client still feel pain? Why does KAATSU appear to decrease that pain?
A13. Blood vessels are not connected, but new blood vessels are born. It is the same as bypassing a road. Rather than repairing broken roads, roads are made new. When new blood vessels are formed, nerve cells comes after, and nerves are completed. As new blood vessels are formed, neural cells are formed. In a previous KAATSU trial, we put a patient’s head in a Functional MRI machine as we applied KAATSU to both arms while doing Hand Clenches with a grip band. New blood vessels increased in the portion of the brain that was black. Naturally, neurons are formed after. Since KAATSU works, I would like doctors and researchers at the VA to conduct further clinical trials.
Q14. Many military therapists use electrical muscle stimulation on spinal cord injury patients. Can this Electrical Muscle Stimulation device be combined with KAATSU to achieve better results during the isometric contractions?
A14. There are various devices such as electric stimulation units and EMS available now. When electric stimulation is given, the muscles shake. There are several research results that cause muscle hypertrophy to some extent. We get requests from researchers who specialize in electrical stimulation to simultaneously use KAATSU and electrical stimulation. We performed clinical trials on patients with spinal injury who could not move their legs. It showed positive results with KAATSU.
Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
For what? recovery
Photos above show car wreckage and Tina's x-ray of during swallow test.
Tina is a 47-year-old car accident survivor with traumatic brain injury (3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale) who has been quadriplegic for over 12 years.
After several weeks of KAATSU Cycles performed daily on her arms and legs, Tina, her family and her caregivers say the following:
1. Tina has eliminated her hyperbaric chamber dives.
2. Tina has eliminated her home visit physical therapy sessions.
3. Tina has rapidly improved her wound healing so the home health care nurse visits every other day, not every day like before.
4. She sleeps 8 hours through the night instead of waking up hourly as she always had to benefit her and her 24/7 care givers.
5. She feels warm now throughout the day. Previously she always felt cold.
6. Her spasmodic episodes are significantly reduced and her pain and discomfort levels are reduced.
7. She can do KAATSU full body pandiculations (stretches). This has enabled her body to begin less stiff and more flexible and easier to carry and move. This greatly benefits her 24/7 care givers and helps reduce the pain they feel in their own backs and shoulders.
8. She can move her feet and stretch her legs.
9. She can move her arms and is working towards feeding herself and using an icing bag to decorate cakes (her previous profession).
10. She looks forward to sharing her story with others in similar situations.
Day 0 on May 21st in Long Beach, California
Linda learned about KAATSU after watching Tap Nixon, a 74-year-old man, improve with KAATSU Cycle. For the past 12 years Delmar has been on the side of her younger sister, Tina, in the hospital, care facilities and finally home. A hit-and-run accident left Tina a quadriplegic when she was 35 years old [see wreck above].
Tina, a 47-year-old cake designer and decorator, survived a car accident in 2006 [3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale]. Linda explained that Tina experienced “internal decapitation” (medically known as an atlanto-occipital dislocation; atlas is the name of the topmost vertebral bone of the spine; the occipital bone forms the lower part of the back of the skull).
During the first six years after the accident, Tina lived in care facilities and breathed through a ventilator and tracheostomy tube. For the past six years, she has lived at home with Linda with 24/7 caregivers and therapists at her side 365 days a year.
Tina is mentally alert, very attentive, laughs, smiles, acknowledges conversations around her with expressive eyes. She speaks very softly.
After a KAATSU demonstration by the KAATSU Specialist, Linda became excited to try KAATSU Cycle on her own arms to see how it would feel on her sister. The KAATSU Specialist applied one KAATSU Air Band on her arms that quickly became pink with the resultant blood engorgement.
Linda started to move in an easy, rhythmic manner as she is a hula dancer. After a few minutes, Linda stated that she was feeling the burn and started sweating as if she was working out harder than she was. Tina listened intently to the explanation and carefully observed the demonstration.
The KAATSU Specialist asked Tina if she wanted to try. She said yes with a sparkle in her eye. Linda was asked if she could put the bands on Tina, but Tina said, “No...you” with her eyes focused on the KAATSU Specialist. The KAATSU Specialist placed a pink band on her right arm, her good arm that was less spastic than her left arm. Both hands remained in the clenched position and angled towards her torso.
The pink band was placed with a very, very light Base SKU (under 10 SKU). Tina confirmed that she felt comfortable with the band on her upper arm. Tina had previously mentioned that she wanted improved muscle tone.
The KAATSU Cycle mode was selected and an Optimal SKU pressure of 100 was selected (on the scale of 0-400 SKU on the KAATSU Nano device). Within seconds of the air being compressed into the pink band, Tina's skin tone almost immediately became a light pink color, obviously a shade darker than her normal skin tone. Her eyes glistened as she concurrently focused on the additional pressure she felt on her arms.
She proceeded to 3 KAATSU Cycles (3 minutes 20 seconds per Cycle): the first at 100 SKU, the second at 120 SKU, the third at 140 SKU as she verbally confirmed her consent.
The band was then removed after the 10 minutes of KAATSU.
The KAATSU Specialist asked her to try and move her hand. She was able to ever so slightly move her right hand. Linda and Yuri, her caregiver, appeared to be pleasantly surprised.
She was asked to attempt moving her right hand again. She moved her hand again with a slightly greater range of motion on the second attempt, but these movements clearly required significant effort and concentration on her part.
Linda took videos of the session as Tina and the KAATSU Specialist were focused and constantly sharing feedback about the sensations she felt, the resultant movements and skin color. It would have a great opportunity to place a Masimo MightySat Finger Pulse Oximeter on her finger to check her physiological data on the next-generation KAATSU Master 2.0, but her hands were constantly clenched in a spastic paralysis.
Then Tina said, “I feel warm” as her arm remained a slightly pink color.The session ended as Tina agreed to meet the following day.
The KAATSU Specialist Steven Munatones remarked on what he just observed, "I felt all the years of listening and learning from [KAATSU inventor] Dr. Sato were all worth the effort - even for this one spectacular moment in a bedroom in Long Beach, California with a car accident and Traumatic Brain Injury survivor, her sister and her caregiver."
Day 2 on May 23rd in Long Beach, California
Yuri, the caregiver, said Tina slept very well - and snored loudly - after the KAATSU session on the previous day. This morning, she did not feel sore and felt good. Tina was excited and at considerable ease on the second day.
Caregiver Yuri placed two pink KAATSU Air Bands on her left and right arms. Tina agreed as the goal is to get the entire network of family members, therapists and caregivers certified as KAATSU Specialists so they are very confident and competent in applying and doing KAATSU by themselves.
Tina did 4 KAATSU Cycles at increasing Optimal SKU levels on both arms, starting at 100 SKU (i.e., 100 SKU on the first Cycle, 110 SKU on the second Cycle, 120 on the third Cycle, 140 SKU on the fourth Cycle). Her Base SKU was still low (i.e., under 10 SKU).
By the second KAATSU Cycle, both her arms had achieved a pink color, including around the scar tissue that is around a very long scar on her upper arm. Linda said, “I have never seen her scar get pink."
On the third KAATSU Cycle, Tina independently tried to move her hands. She concentrated deeply, squinted her eyes, and moved both hands at approximately 45°. Everyone smiled. Then, without prompting, Tina started to move her left arm. She closed her eyes and with a furrowed brow, she held her breath. Unbelievably, she did a complete bicep curl.
Linda was shocked and said, “In 12 years I have never seen her move her left arm straight up and as far as that. If she tries to move her left arm it takes tremendous effort and I can see her “thinking” about trying to move it. Before this moment, she has had to essentially move her whole right side to get a little movement from the left. Her brain stem injury precludes her from moving without ‘thinking about it’ as we do.
Tina, do that again!”
Again, Tina closed her eyes and her entire body shook as she attempted to move her left arm again. She was literally willing her arm up again as she held her breath. When she completed her second arm curl, it was clear that she was physically spent. She gave it everything she could as her body seemed to sink into her bed.
She finished her upper body workout with one more KAATSU Cycle. Then the arm bands were removed.
Yuri took Tina’s right hand and easily opened her fingers. Yuri had tried to open her clenched hand on Day One, but Tina did not want to do it because it hurt.
With the success of opening her right hand, Yuri took Tina’s left hand and did the same. Linda said, “In the past five years, Tina has had almost 200 hyperbaric oxygen session which opened her left hand so it didn’t dig into her palm. Today her hand opened even further with less effort.”
Tina was beaming with pride - and exhaustion - as she smiled in a supine position on her bed.
The KAATSU Specialist was getting ready to go, but then Tina whispered softly, “Legs?”
Yuri put the KAATSU Air Bands on her right leg with a very low Base SKU. Her left leg has a bacteria infection and bandage so it was decided to only focus on her right leg. The KAATSU Cycle mode was changed to LEG with an Optimal SKU of 100. Tina proceeded to 3 KAATSU Cycles at that pressure.
After the third KAATSU Cycle on her right leg, the band was removed. This time, Linda asked Tina if she could move her legs. She turned her feet very slightly inward, perhaps 5-10°. “Wow!” was the collective expression as everyone smiled.
Linda joked that Tina was really going to snore loudly on her post-KAATSU nap.
Day 3 on May 24th in Long Beach, California
KAATSU Master Specialist David Tawil of New York visited Tina for her third consecutive KAATSU session.
But Tina just had experienced a total body spastic episode and was very uncomfortable. She also felt cold. Her caregiver had just finished giving her a massage, but it was clear that Tina was still in distress.
David asked her if she wanted to do KAATSU. "I would not have been surprised if she declined," Tawil said later. But Tina wanted to do KAATSU and proceeded to do 4 KAATSU Cycles at 100 SKU + 110 SKU + 120 SKU + 120 SKU pressure on both her arms. Without prompting, Tina suddenly did 10 consecutive biceps curls on her right arm as she moved her hands from near her waist upwards to her shoulders. She then focused on her weaker left arm and proceeded to do 6 consecutive biceps curls with her left arm in the supine position. Her improvement was remarkable the way she moved her arms and hands on her third KAATSU session of less than 15 minutes.
Tina clearly put in a tremendous effort into each of these movements of her left and right arms.
Tina then expressed an interest to eat for herself and then attempted to open her left hand by herself. She was not able to do anything but move very slightly one finger, but her attempt was admirable.
A pink KAATSU Air Band was then placed on her right leg and 2 KAATSU Cycles were performed (20 seconds of applied pressure followed by 5 seconds of release repeated 16 times). She then proceeded to move her toes inward.
Day 4 on May 25th in Long Beach, California
Tina repeated her KAATSU session on both arms and her right leg...ready for the following week.
"Our goal is to teach the standard KAATSU protocols to Tina’s sister Linda, her caregivers, and therapists over the next week so they all can work with Tina according to their own time schedules and availability - and comfort of their own home," said Munatones. "The convenience of KAATSU - to be able to do anywhere at anytime - is compelling."
Day 5 on May 26th in Long Beach, California
Tina repeated her KAATSU session on both arms and her right leg.
Day 6 on May 28th in Long Beach, California
Tina repeated her KAATSU session on both arms and her right leg. She used the new KAATSU Aqua Bands on her arms with a Base pressure of 10 SKU. She did four KAATSU Cycles at 100 SKU, 110 SKU, 140 SKU and 150 SKU. She did some arm contractions and biceps curls on her right arm while she was propped up in her bed.
After her upper body workout was completed, Yuri placed a plastic fork in her right hand and she attempted to bring the utensil to her mouth. She got her hand holding the fork to approximately a 90° angle with considerable effort. She was also able to move her right shoulder for the first time.
Yuri then placed the plastic fork in her left hand and she attempted to bring the utensil to her mouth. She got her hand holding the fork to approximately 45° with considerable effort while her body shook withe effort. She also felt warm and started to perspire due to her effort.
Tina finished her workout with a standard KAATSU Air Band on her right leg with a Base pressure of 10 SKU. She did 4 KAATSU Cycles at 150 SKU, 160 SKU, 190 SKU, and 200 SKU. After the second and third Cycles, she asked for the pressure to be increased.
Day 7 on May 29th in Long Beach, California
Tina did 4 KAATSU Cycles on both her arms followed by 4 KAATSU Cycles on her right leg.
She used a Base SKU level of 10 on both her arms and leg with Optimal SKU levels of 100 + 120 +140 + 150 respectively on her arms and Optimal SKU levels of 150 + 160 +180 + 200 respectively on her legs.
After these Cycles, the bands were removed and a spoon was placed in both her right hand and then her left hand by Yuri. This is the exercise that she followed up with:
She ended the session by giving a fist pump to the KAATSU Specialist [see above].Day 8 on May 30th in Long Beach, California
Tina did 4 KAATSU Cycles on both her arms followed by 4 KAATSU Cycles on her right leg.
She used a Base SKU level of 10 on both her arms and leg with Optimal SKU levels of 100 + 120 +140 + 150 respectively on her arms and Optimal SKU levels of 150 + 160 +180 + 200 respectively on her legs.
During these arm Cycles, a spoon was placed in her right hand and she attempted to raise the spoon to her mouth.
Then she followed up her upper body workout with elevated leg extensions with both legs in the supine position with the band on her right leg [see video below from Day 9]:
Day 9 on June 1st in Long Beach, California
Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on both her arms followed by 5 KAATSU Cycles on her right leg.
She used a Base SKU level of 10 on both her arms and leg with Optimal SKU levels of 100 + 120 +140 + 150 + 150 respectively on her arms and Optimal SKU levels of 150 + 160 +180 + 200 + 200 respectively on her legs.
During the last two arm Cycles, a spoon was placed in the professional cake decorator's right hand and she attempted to raise the spoon to her mouth.
Then she followed up her upper body workout with elevated leg extensions in the supine position with both legs:
She had a lower back pain before the KAATSU session started in which she felt relief after her KAATSU session was over.
Her sister and caregivers have been taught the standard KAATSU protocols and will conduct the KAATSU sessions by themselves over the weekend. They will be given the opportunity to become certified KAATSU Specialists by taking the 100-question online certification examination.
Day 12 on June 1st in Long Beach, California
After doing 5 KAATSU Cycles between 100 - 170 SKU on her arms, Tina did calf and leg exercises and whole body pandiculation during KAATSU Cycles at a Base pressure of 10 SKU and Optimal pressure between 150-220 SKU on her legs. Her body continues to feel warm upon doing KAATSU Cycles.
Day 15 on June 4th in Long Beach, California
After doing 5 KAATSU Cycles between 100 - 170 SKU on her arms including biceps curls with a plastic spon, Tina did calf and leg exercises and whole body pandiculation during KAATSU Cycles at a Base pressure of 10 SKU and Optimal pressure between 150-220 SKU. Her body continues to feel warm upon doing KAATSU Cycles.
Day 16 on June 4th in Long Beach, California
Tina felt sore after her vigorous workout yesterday so we decided to go easy. Today was simply a recovery day using KAATSU Cycles without movement or exercises.
She simply did 5 KAATSU Cycles between 100 - 170 SKU on her arms without hand clenches or biceps curls with a plastic spoon and 5 KAATSU Cycles between 150-200 SKU on her legs without calf and leg exercises and whole body pandiculations. While Tina was doing the KAATSU Cycles, her caregiver Yuri explains the differences she has seen in her hands since starting KAATSU:
Day 17 on June 4th in Long Beach, California
After a recovery day on Day 16, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her arms (with an Optimal SKU of 100 + 120 + 140 + 160 + 180).
Then she did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her legs (with an Optimal SKU of 150 + 170 + 190 + 200 + 201) while her caregiver Yuri Ramirez helped her do a variety of exercises:
1. Yuri lifts her knee while Tina pushes forward against resistance to work on her quadricep and hamstring.
2. Yuri grabs against Tina's back while Tina pushes back to work on her back and neck muscles. It is important to help Tina gain more muscle and control her neck when she is moved.
3. Yuri rotates her ankles that helps her feet and calves feel better.
After a steady recovery over a 3-week period where she is enjoying improved sleep patterns, improved muscle tone, more relaxation, significantly greater movement and mobility, and improved wound recovery, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her arms (with an Optimal SKU of 100 + 120 + 140 + 160 + 180) on Day 17.
After her upper body workout, Tina did 5 KAATSU Cycles on her legs (with an Optimal SKU of 150 + 170 + 190 + 200 + 201) while her caregiver Yuri helped her do a variety of exercises:
1. Yuri lifts her knee while Tina pushes forward against resistance to work on her quadricep and hamstring.
2. Yuri grabs against Tina's back while Tina pushes back to work on her back and neck muscles. It is important to help Tina gain more muscle and control her neck when she is moved.
3. Yuri rotates her ankles that helps her feet and calves feel better.
By Day 26, she was doing the following exercises:
July 1st in Long Beach, California
Tina was able to put an icing bag in her right hand, squeeze it, and plans to soon start decorating a cake for the first time in 12 years.
Dr. Yoshiaki Sato participated in a question-and-answer session on KAATSU usage with, by and for people with paralysis:
Q1. Why does a patient with paralysis become more relaxed and sleep better after doing KAATSU?
A1. The sympathetic nervous system has been activated for a long time. When KAATSU is performed, the sympathetic nervous system relaxes as the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated and patients with paralysis are able to sleep well [after KAATSU]. Also, mechanical stress - which is a good stress - occurs and they can sleep comfortably.
Q2. What is the mechanism that enables an increased passive range of motion in her elbows, hands, and ankles?
A2. After the accident, joints became harden and spastic [for a long time, decades]. The tendons and ligaments become harden. Relaxed by KAATSU, because the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are well activated, the joints and muscles become loosened. This increases its range of motion. There are tendons within the muscles, but they will not become soft soon. Over time, however, the tendons gradually softens over the course of many months.
Q3. The muscle and ligament contractures in their elbows, wrists, fingers and ankle plantar flexors are rigid. Can you predict how much a patient with paralysis can improve her range of motion?
A3. Patients with paralysis have been tense for a long time and their bodies became stiff as a result. It is very important to make concentrated efforts just like climbing stairs, step by step. They should not be impatient. Movement towards their goals might go in a good direction if they keep making steady effort.
Q4. Why do quadriplegic patients feel less pain?
A4. The pain is relieved because of the secretion of beta-endorphins, which is called intra-cerebral anesthesia in the brain. Also, the nerves of the muscle fibers that were in a sleeping state around the damaged muscle fibers are awakened by the application of KAATSU. Thus, the pain is relieved.
Q5. There are some red spots that showed up on a quadriplegic’s right thigh after the initial session. Was the Base SKU too high initially?
A5. You can judge that the patient's blood vessels are weak due to the appearance of red spots on the skin. Perhaps next time, when KAATSU is applied with the same SKU, these tiny red specks might disappear. Some people might say that KAATSU is dangerous because the red spots appeared or KAATSU might cause blood clots. The red spots indicates that stimulation was sufficiently given to blood vessels. It is important to start with KAATSU Cycle 1 (i.e., 100 SKU) for people who are trying KAATSU for the first time and gradually move on to KAATSU Cycle 2 (e.g., 120 SKU), Cycle 3 and on.
Q6. Should we worry about blood clots in immobile patients? Does the potential for existing clots change KAATSU protocols?
A6. The potential for kicking off blood clots will not change as long as you do the KAATSU Cycle. Start with pressurization for 30 seconds and depressurization for 5 seconds (i.e., KAATSU Cycle on and then off). Since the blood vessels gradually increase resistance against pressure and patient's blood vessels get used to SKU and can tolerate it. Do not worry about thrombosis.
Q7. If patients eat poorly, what should we worry about with KAATSU?
A7. Improving one’s diet in parallel with doing KAATSU is one kind of treatment. The three goals - exercise, good diet and sufficient sleep are important to become healthier. It is necessary to balance these three factors.
Q8. Do you recommend 2 full cycles, 2 times a day? What do you recommend for daily KAATSU usage?
A8. The daily usage of KAATSU varies according to patient's abilities and their level of physical fitness. In the case of patients where spasticity tends to easily occur, even if their body loosens after one KAATSU session, it is possible that they will return to their original state after a few minutes. Rather than deciding whether to do one or two KAATSU Cycles, the amount of KAATSU should be decided by the patient. Generally, the more serious the patient, the more times they should do the KAATSU Cycle. Conversely, for less serious patients, the less time should be spent doing KAATSU. That is, the number of times doing KAATSU Cycles should be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Q9. Why do patients with spinal cord injuries feel warm during KAATSU - especially when they have no sensation in the same limb?
A9. The fact that their body feels warm after KAATSU is evidence that new blood vessels were created. Normally, there is no medical treatment to create new blood vessels instantly, but KAATSU instantly creates new capillaries. Blood flows to those points in the body and their body warms up. Conversely, when the body is exposed to below the freezing temperatures, capillaries are pulled away and the body becomes cold.
Q10. Why does KAATSU appear to help with neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients?
A10. For not only the patients with spinal injuries, but also the patients with various diseases, when they do KAATSU, cells and muscle fibers that have not been used until now start to work. Consider the case if there are 100 soldiers, but only 10 of them have been working. When those 10 soldiers are injured, the 90 other soldiers will start working on behalf of those 10 people.
Q11. The Masimo device measures Perfusion Index (an indication of the pulse strength at the sensor site). The Perfusion Index values range from 0.02% for very weak pulse to 20% for extremely strong pulse. Normally, the Perfusion Index decreases during KAATSU, but why does the Perfusion Index often increase during KAATSU for a client with a spinal cord injury?
A11. KAATSU immediately creates new blood vessels and the blood fills the place where no blood was flowing until then. Naturally, the perfusion index will increase in this case.
Q12. For spinal cord injury patients, Capillary Refill Time is often very slow with no KAATSU pressure, and speeds up during KAATSU. Why?
A12. Since the blood flow reaches every corner [in the limb], Capillary Refill Time is accelerated. New blood vessels are increased. When you do KAATSU, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) new blood vessel growth factor hormone increases. KAATSU effects have continued to surprise me.
Q13. If neural pathways are NOT intact (for example, with a completely severed spinal cord) for an individual with a spinal cord injury, why does the client still feel pain? Why does KAATSU appear to decrease that pain?
A13. Blood vessels are not connected, but new blood vessels are born. It is the same as bypassing a road. Rather than repairing broken roads, roads are made new. When new blood vessels are formed, nerve cells comes after, and nerves are completed. As new blood vessels are formed, neural cells are formed. In a previous KAATSU trial, we put a patient’s head in a Functional MRI machine as we applied KAATSU to both arms while doing Hand Clenches with a grip band. New blood vessels increased in the portion of the brain that was black. Naturally, neurons are formed after. Since KAATSU works, I would like doctors and researchers at the VA to conduct further clinical trials.
Q14. Many military therapists use electrical muscle stimulation on spinal cord injury patients. Can this Electrical Muscle Stimulation device be combined with KAATSU to achieve better results during the isometric contractions?
A14. There are various devices such as electric stimulation units and EMS available now. When electric stimulation is given, the muscles shake. There are several research results that cause muscle hypertrophy to some extent. We get requests from researchers who specialize in electrical stimulation to simultaneously use KAATSU and electrical stimulation. We performed clinical trials on patients with spinal injury who could not move their legs. It showed positive results with KAATSU.
Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Organizational Use Of KAATSU
For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
In an organizational setting of KAATSU where there are many (over 20 individuals) doing KAATSU at the same time, in the same location, and with strict time limitations (e.g., at a military base or with an athletic team), KAATSU Global recommends the following protocols for KAATSU Group Lessons:
* Each individual is first taught the proper location of the KAATSU Air Bands on their arms and legs and their safe Base SKU pressure.
* Each individual is taught how to check their Capillary Refill Time (CRT).
* Each individual is taught how to warm-up and warm-down and rehabilitate with the KAATSU Cycle mode.
* Each individual is taught how to find their own Optimal SKU pressure - that will gradually change over time and vary between different exercises and activities (e.g., isometric versus aerobic exercises).
* The leaders or coaches confirm each individual has a complete comprehension of the above.
* During the KAATSU Group Lessons, each individual is responsible for constantly checking the CRT of their individual (or teammate to their right) if they are simultaneously doing the same activities.
* The leaders or coaches are responsible for reviewing everyone's CRT on a random basis.
* The KAATSU Air Band sets can be shared for efficiency. Half of the group can use the bands on their arms while the other half of the group uses the bands on their legs.
* If some individuals can do vastly more repetitions than their peers, then the leader or coach can ask those with greater abilities to slow down the pace of their repetitions and contract their muscles in the positive and negative directions.
* If the leaders are coaches have very specific training sets (e.g., push-ups or core work or sprints), specific Optimal SKU levels may be varied (100-500 SKU) in order to accommodate the different capabilities of each individual.
* KAATSU should be done on both legs and arms, and in the cases where there are significant differences between the strength or abilities of one limb versus the other limb, the Optimal SKU levels can be set differently for each limb.
* More frequent use of KAATSU will lead to an increased elasticity of veins and capillaries.
Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
In an organizational setting of KAATSU where there are many (over 20 individuals) doing KAATSU at the same time, in the same location, and with strict time limitations (e.g., at a military base or with an athletic team), KAATSU Global recommends the following protocols for KAATSU Group Lessons:
* Each individual is first taught the proper location of the KAATSU Air Bands on their arms and legs and their safe Base SKU pressure.
* Each individual is taught how to check their Capillary Refill Time (CRT).
* Each individual is taught how to warm-up and warm-down and rehabilitate with the KAATSU Cycle mode.
* Each individual is taught how to find their own Optimal SKU pressure - that will gradually change over time and vary between different exercises and activities (e.g., isometric versus aerobic exercises).
* The leaders or coaches confirm each individual has a complete comprehension of the above.
* During the KAATSU Group Lessons, each individual is responsible for constantly checking the CRT of their individual (or teammate to their right) if they are simultaneously doing the same activities.
* The leaders or coaches are responsible for reviewing everyone's CRT on a random basis.
* The KAATSU Air Band sets can be shared for efficiency. Half of the group can use the bands on their arms while the other half of the group uses the bands on their legs.
* If some individuals can do vastly more repetitions than their peers, then the leader or coach can ask those with greater abilities to slow down the pace of their repetitions and contract their muscles in the positive and negative directions.
* If the leaders are coaches have very specific training sets (e.g., push-ups or core work or sprints), specific Optimal SKU levels may be varied (100-500 SKU) in order to accommodate the different capabilities of each individual.
* KAATSU should be done on both legs and arms, and in the cases where there are significant differences between the strength or abilities of one limb versus the other limb, the Optimal SKU levels can be set differently for each limb.
* More frequent use of KAATSU will lead to an increased elasticity of veins and capillaries.
Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
Warming Up And Warming Down With KAATSU
For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? mobility, flexibility, recovery
KAATSU is well-known to help build muscle mass and girth. But this is only one single aspect, one athletic perspective, one possible benefit, and one resultant outcome of KAATSU.
There are some athletic activities that need only a greater range of motion or increased strength or improved performance - and do not desire greater muscle mass or girth. Similarly, some individuals do not wish to gain muscle mass or muscle girth - they prefer improved muscle tone or improved BMI.
In these cases, the KAATSU Cycle is an ideal application of KAATSU.
The KAATSU Cycle should be done before every KAATSU session as an ideal warm-up protocol. You can start off at your usual Base SKU pressure and a conservative Optimal SKU pressure. Stretch while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated and rest while the bands are deflated. Then increase your Optimal SKU pressure on the second (and subsequent) KAATSU Cycles. For example, you can start with a Base SKU of 20 and an Optimal SKU of 200 SKU on the first KAATSU Cycle (that takes 3 minutes 20 seconds).
Then you can increase the Optimal SKU to 250 SKU and 300 SKU respectively on the subsequent KAATSU Cycles. Continue to stretch or do other warm-up exercises as appropriate to your sport or activity.
Then, a few KAATSU Cycles can be repeated at the end of your KAATSU session or after your workout is over. First, do a complete release of the KAATSU Air Bands and get well-hydrated. Then re-apply the KAATSU Air Bands and do a few KAATSU Cycles. But in this case, you can slightly lower your Base SKU and use a lower Optimal SKU pressure to help flush out the lactic acid that may have built up during your workout.
You can walk or do simple stretching while you do the warm-down KAATSU Cycles that will help mitigate undesired muscle growth and increased girth.
The use of KAATSU Cycle is a safe and effective engorgement of blood in the limbs. A warm-up or warm-down while moving (e.g., walking or stretching) in such a physiological state will lead to improved preparation for vigorous training or greater efficiency in flushing out lactic acid that has built up.
Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
For what? mobility, flexibility, recovery
KAATSU is well-known to help build muscle mass and girth. But this is only one single aspect, one athletic perspective, one possible benefit, and one resultant outcome of KAATSU.
There are some athletic activities that need only a greater range of motion or increased strength or improved performance - and do not desire greater muscle mass or girth. Similarly, some individuals do not wish to gain muscle mass or muscle girth - they prefer improved muscle tone or improved BMI.
In these cases, the KAATSU Cycle is an ideal application of KAATSU.
The KAATSU Cycle should be done before every KAATSU session as an ideal warm-up protocol. You can start off at your usual Base SKU pressure and a conservative Optimal SKU pressure. Stretch while the KAATSU Air Bands are inflated and rest while the bands are deflated. Then increase your Optimal SKU pressure on the second (and subsequent) KAATSU Cycles. For example, you can start with a Base SKU of 20 and an Optimal SKU of 200 SKU on the first KAATSU Cycle (that takes 3 minutes 20 seconds).
Then you can increase the Optimal SKU to 250 SKU and 300 SKU respectively on the subsequent KAATSU Cycles. Continue to stretch or do other warm-up exercises as appropriate to your sport or activity.
Then, a few KAATSU Cycles can be repeated at the end of your KAATSU session or after your workout is over. First, do a complete release of the KAATSU Air Bands and get well-hydrated. Then re-apply the KAATSU Air Bands and do a few KAATSU Cycles. But in this case, you can slightly lower your Base SKU and use a lower Optimal SKU pressure to help flush out the lactic acid that may have built up during your workout.
You can walk or do simple stretching while you do the warm-down KAATSU Cycles that will help mitigate undesired muscle growth and increased girth.
The use of KAATSU Cycle is a safe and effective engorgement of blood in the limbs. A warm-up or warm-down while moving (e.g., walking or stretching) in such a physiological state will lead to improved preparation for vigorous training or greater efficiency in flushing out lactic acid that has built up.
Copyright © 2014 - 2018 by KAATSU Global
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Michael Andrew Goes 3 For 3
For who? swimmers, student-athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
At the 2017 World Junior Swimming Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, 17-year-old Michael Andrew had an evening to remember.
At 6:24 pm, he set a world record in the 50-meter backstroke, winning the event in a time of 24.63 seconds.
At 6:40 pm, he entered the water again in the 50-meter butterfly in a semifinal heat and qualified first in 23.27 seconds, setting another world record.
At 7:11 pm, he walked up to the starting blocks in the 50-meter freestyle for his third race in 45 minutes and won the event, setting his third world record in 21.75 seconds.
He followed the KAATSU Cycle protocol between races that allowed him to recover quickly and prepare himself physiologically for his next event.
For more information on his remarkable evening, visit SwimSwam and Swimming World Magazine.
Copyright © 2014-2016 by KAATSU Global, Inc.
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
At the 2017 World Junior Swimming Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, 17-year-old Michael Andrew had an evening to remember.At 6:24 pm, he set a world record in the 50-meter backstroke, winning the event in a time of 24.63 seconds.
At 6:40 pm, he entered the water again in the 50-meter butterfly in a semifinal heat and qualified first in 23.27 seconds, setting another world record.
At 7:11 pm, he walked up to the starting blocks in the 50-meter freestyle for his third race in 45 minutes and won the event, setting his third world record in 21.75 seconds.
He followed the KAATSU Cycle protocol between races that allowed him to recover quickly and prepare himself physiologically for his next event.
For more information on his remarkable evening, visit SwimSwam and Swimming World Magazine.
Copyright © 2014-2016 by KAATSU Global, Inc.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Maximum Muscle Hypertrophy In Minimum Time With KAATSU
For who? Baby Boomers, retirees, student-athletes
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
Some athletes - or individuals of any age (even up to 104 years old - see here) want or need muscle hypertrophy in a minimum amount of time. These are the standard KAATSU protocols for these individuals:
* always keep rest short between sets and between exercises. That is, rest 30 seconds maximum between sets or 60 seconds maximum between exercises.
* select loads that enable you to do a good number of repetitions (e.g., 30-60 in first set, 20-30 in the second set, >20 in the third set, >10 in the fourth set)
* focus on handling higher pressures rather than the absolute amount of weight being lifted
* remain well-hydrated before and during the entire KAATSU session
It is important - as always - to follow standard KAATSU protocols, no matter what your level of fitness or age is:
1. Always have good capillary refill within 2-3 seconds and feel no occlusion or numbness
2. Always start with KAATSU Cycles (i.e., 8 cycles of 20 seconds pressure on + 5 seconds pressure off). In fact, you can also achieve muscle hypertrophy doing only the KAATSU Cycles.
3. Use an appropriately high Base SKU and the highest Optimal SKU that is safe for you and falls within the standard KAATSU guidelines (e.g., good capillary refill)
KAATSU Arm Workout Protocols
Step 1: Start with the KAATSU Cycle at an average Base SKU and average Optimal SKU (e.g., if your Optimal SKU is 250 SKU, start with an SKU of 220-230).
Step 2: Use hand grips to do one set of hand clenches until muscular failure, enabling the lactic acid to being accumulating.
Step 3: Use light weights (e.g., 5-10 lbs. dumbbell) to do bicep curls slowly and deliberately until muscular failure to reached.
* Note: if you can do over 60 repetitions before reaching failure, then the KAATSU Base SKU and Optimal SKU are both too low. Increase the Base SKU or Optimal SKU so ideally the number of repetitions on the first set is 30-40 repetitions before failure.
Step 4: After the first set of 30-40 repetitions, set the dumbbells down and rest for approximately 15 seconds.
Step 5: Start the second set of bicep curls. It is ideal if muscular failure comes before 20 repetitions.
Step 6: Set the dumbbells down and rest for approximately 15 seconds.
Step 7: Start the third set of bicep curls. It is ideal if muscular failure comes before 10 repetitions.
Step 8: Set the dumbbells down and rest for approximately 15 seconds.
Step 9: Start the fourth and last set of bicep curls. Muscular failure should come quickly after only a few repetitions. The discomfort should be quite significant.
Step 10: Return to the hand grips and do one more set of hand clenches until muscular failure. The discomfort should be extreme.
KAATSU Leg Workout Protocols
Step 1: Properly set the deflated KAATSU Air Bands around the upper legs.
Step 2: Do 2 KAATSU Cycles as a warm-up, inflated with a appropriate Base SKU (Standard KAATSU Unit) pressure and an Optimal SKU pressure.
Step 3: Select an appropriate weight load with the pneumatic KAATSU Bands inflated at the appropriate Base SKU and an Optimal SKU.
Step 4: Do squats until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds [see Note below].
Step 5: Do squats until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 6: Do squats until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 7: Do squats until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Step 8: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 9: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 10: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 11: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Step 12: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 13: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 14: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 15: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Step 16: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 17: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 18: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 19: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Post-Workout Sensations
* You will feel very pumped up after each KAATSU session.
* You may feel post-workout fatigue if the sessions are extraordinarily intense.
Note: the recommended rest of 30 seconds for muscle hypertrophy differs slightly than the standard recommendations of a 20-second maximum rest for other KAATSU protocols.
Copyright © 2016 by KAATSU Global
For what? Strength, stamina, functional movement, mobility, flexibility, recovery
Some athletes - or individuals of any age (even up to 104 years old - see here) want or need muscle hypertrophy in a minimum amount of time. These are the standard KAATSU protocols for these individuals:* always keep rest short between sets and between exercises. That is, rest 30 seconds maximum between sets or 60 seconds maximum between exercises.
* select loads that enable you to do a good number of repetitions (e.g., 30-60 in first set, 20-30 in the second set, >20 in the third set, >10 in the fourth set)
* focus on handling higher pressures rather than the absolute amount of weight being lifted
* remain well-hydrated before and during the entire KAATSU session
It is important - as always - to follow standard KAATSU protocols, no matter what your level of fitness or age is:
1. Always have good capillary refill within 2-3 seconds and feel no occlusion or numbness
2. Always start with KAATSU Cycles (i.e., 8 cycles of 20 seconds pressure on + 5 seconds pressure off). In fact, you can also achieve muscle hypertrophy doing only the KAATSU Cycles.
3. Use an appropriately high Base SKU and the highest Optimal SKU that is safe for you and falls within the standard KAATSU guidelines (e.g., good capillary refill)
KAATSU Arm Workout Protocols
Step 1: Start with the KAATSU Cycle at an average Base SKU and average Optimal SKU (e.g., if your Optimal SKU is 250 SKU, start with an SKU of 220-230).
Step 2: Use hand grips to do one set of hand clenches until muscular failure, enabling the lactic acid to being accumulating.
Step 3: Use light weights (e.g., 5-10 lbs. dumbbell) to do bicep curls slowly and deliberately until muscular failure to reached.
* Note: if you can do over 60 repetitions before reaching failure, then the KAATSU Base SKU and Optimal SKU are both too low. Increase the Base SKU or Optimal SKU so ideally the number of repetitions on the first set is 30-40 repetitions before failure.
Step 4: After the first set of 30-40 repetitions, set the dumbbells down and rest for approximately 15 seconds.
Step 5: Start the second set of bicep curls. It is ideal if muscular failure comes before 20 repetitions.
Step 6: Set the dumbbells down and rest for approximately 15 seconds.
Step 7: Start the third set of bicep curls. It is ideal if muscular failure comes before 10 repetitions.
Step 8: Set the dumbbells down and rest for approximately 15 seconds.
Step 9: Start the fourth and last set of bicep curls. Muscular failure should come quickly after only a few repetitions. The discomfort should be quite significant.
Step 10: Return to the hand grips and do one more set of hand clenches until muscular failure. The discomfort should be extreme.
KAATSU Leg Workout Protocols
Step 1: Properly set the deflated KAATSU Air Bands around the upper legs.
Step 2: Do 2 KAATSU Cycles as a warm-up, inflated with a appropriate Base SKU (Standard KAATSU Unit) pressure and an Optimal SKU pressure.
Step 3: Select an appropriate weight load with the pneumatic KAATSU Bands inflated at the appropriate Base SKU and an Optimal SKU.
Step 4: Do squats until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds [see Note below].
Step 5: Do squats until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 6: Do squats until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 7: Do squats until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Step 8: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 9: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 10: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 11: Do leg extensions until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Step 12: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 13: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 14: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 15: Do leg curls until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Step 16: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #1, ideally between 30-40 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 17: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #2, ideally between 20-30 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 18: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #3, ideally around 10 repetitions. Rest no more than 30 seconds.
Step 19: Do calf raises until muscle failure in set #4, 1-3 repetitions is sufficient. Rest no more than 60 seconds, but do not release air from the pneumatic KAATSU bands around upper legs.
Post-Workout Sensations
* You will feel very pumped up after each KAATSU session.
* You may feel post-workout fatigue if the sessions are extraordinarily intense.
Note: the recommended rest of 30 seconds for muscle hypertrophy differs slightly than the standard recommendations of a 20-second maximum rest for other KAATSU protocols.
Copyright © 2016 by KAATSU Global
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)