Dr. Jim Stray-Gundersen of B Strong BFR was interviewed at a Soccerex event on the benefits of BFR band training for soccer. Check out the interview below.

Hi Dr. SG, will you please introduce yourself and B Strong BFR Bands?

Hi, I am Dr. Jim Stray-Gundersen. I have had a career-long focus on LEGALLY Maximizing Human Performance at the highest level of sport for over 30 years.  In this capacity working with Olympians, World Champions, Professional and Amateur teams, I have come across many potentially performance-enhancing modalities – I have never experienced such a game-changing catalyst for maximizing athletic performance as Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training.  As a sports scientist and sports medicine physician, I developed the B STRONG BFR Training system for all ages and disciplines to benefit safely from Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR) with an eye to an affordable, comfortable, safe and effective, new training modality.  

You are obviously an expert in your area, but why do you feel Soccer needs BFR?

The soccer world can benefit from an affordable, comfortable, BFR system (B Strong).  BFR devices have made their appearance in European and American soccer/football, but current products are either too expensive, not able to be used easily on the pitch, not safe or effective, unable to allow specific techniques unhindered. After years of studying BFR use internationally, I defined the mechanism and physiological response that elicit the immediate benefits of BFR training – and they are astounding! I then developed and patented the B STRONG Training System to simplify BFR Training for all.  B STRONG BFR Training can be safely used by all strength & conditioning programs as an adjunct to training, as well as individuals to achieve faster recovery from injury, improved strength and power, and overall endurance.

How will an individual benefit from B Strong BFR Training?

The benefits of proper B STRONG BFR training cannot be overemphasized. BFR training is an exercise technique that manipulates the body’s circulatory system, and when combined with exercise, produces rapid gains in strength and fitness using light loads in a very short period of time. What this means – For an individual to achieve the fatigue from a traditional training session, he/she would have to lift heavy weights for a long period of time to elicit the growth hormonal response needed to make strength gains or overall improvement — ultimately tearing muscle to build muscle strength.  When following B STRONG BFR protocols of lighter weights to fatigue, the athlete (young or old/fit or unfit) gets a physiologic response quickly without having to break down and tear the muscle, inducing HGH to all tissues and working muscles of the body. This strong fatigue triggers a natural, robust, hormonal cascade which in turn produces hypertrophy and strength gains on par with traditional weightlifting.  The hormones circulating in the bloodstream benefit all areas of the body that were working not only the banded limbs, which we refer to as the “systemic effect.”

How will an organization benefit from BFR training?

For years, this training modality was only made available to Olympic Athletes and select NFL, MLS, MBA and select collegiate teams for whom Dr. Stray-Gundersen consulted.  The secret is out, and our science-based training platforms and sport-specific protocols offer organizations at the elite level the opportunity to enhance performance beyond each athlete’s PR. Dr. Stray-Gundersen has developed the system so Strength & Conditioning Coaches can assign players to use BFR Training on an individual or team basis, and know their program is being followed whether athletes are on the road or at their home facility. B STRONG BFR training enhances normal training programs, simply using the B STRONG BFR bands during weight training, running, skills/drills training or as an adjunct to any training.  Consistent BFR Training equals measurable strength, power, velocity improvements with endurance as a measurable bonus.   Most Athletic Trainers are familiar with BFR as a recovery tool, and B STRONG BFR is proven to reduce recovery time, getting the player back to the pitch in significantly shorter time. In particular, individuals can return to play in half the time it normally takes, and this allows the organization to save money and wins by having players back in the line-up.

Sten Stray-Gundersen also gave a presentation on the benefits of blood flow restriction training for youth players at the same event. Check out the presentation below.