Led by Dr. Cory Keirn, DPT, OCS, this course provides an in-depth analysis of the unique mechanisms behind KAATSU and traditional Blood Flow Restriction (BFR). While both modalities utilize external pressure to amplify the effects of low-intensity exercise, they differ significantly in their application: KAATSU focuses on intermittent, non-occlusive venous modulation, while traditional BFR typically employs fixed limb occlusion pressure (LOP). Participants will explore the science of reactive hyperemia, hormonal responses—including significant surges in growth hormone—and neuromuscular re-education. The course prioritizes patient safety through a rigorous review of contraindications and the use of Virchow’s Triad for DVT risk screening. By bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, this course empowers physical therapists to implement these tools across the continuum of care, from acute post-surgical recovery to geriatric wellness and elite athletic performance.

Key features:

• Format: Asynchronous
• Cost: $179 PT/PTA/Post Professional, $49 students, and $249 nonmembers
• Earn CEU: 0.5 (5 contact hours)
• What you will learn:
  • Physiological Basis and Comparisons: Participants will differentiate the unique physiological mechanisms of KAATSU and traditional BFR, focusing on how elastic venous modulation varies from rigid limb occlusion. This foundational knowledge allows clinicians to choose the specific tool that best meets their patient's metabolic and vascular needs.
  • Intermittent Pressure and Vascular Elasticity: This objective examines the impact of intermittent "cycle mode" on the body, emphasizing how timed inflation and deflation promote reactive hyperemia and endothelial function. Clinicians will learn how this rhythmic stimulus improves vascular remodeling and prepares deconditioned tissues for exercise.
  • Safety Considerations and Best Practices: Clinicians will master safety protocols by identifying absolute and relative contraindications and utilizing risk-assessment tools to minimize adverse events. This includes learning how to properly screen for conditions like DVT and uncontrolled hypertension before implementing pressure-based modalities.
  • Clinical Applications in Physical Therapy: This section identifies diverse clinical applications across the rehab continuum, including post-surgical recovery, atrophy prevention, and neuromuscular re-education. Participants will learn to integrate these tools into phases of care ranging from acute immobilization to high-level athletic performance.
  • Evidence-Based Research Review: Participants will review foundational and modern peer-reviewed literature to understand the scientific evolution of blood flow restriction from the 1960s to the present. This review bridges the gap between laboratory findings and practical clinical decision-making.

Course Instructions

1. Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
2. Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
3. Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
4. Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page. 

Need Assistance?

For assistance logging in, accessing activities, claiming credit, or for other questions or concerns, please e-mail learningcenter@apta.org.