The Evolution of Blood Flow Restriction: A Comparative Analysis of Cyclical and Constant Pressure Modalities

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

8:00-10:00pm

Course Description:

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy is a paradigm-shifting tool in rehabilitation, but not all BFR is created equal. This course moves beyond basic BFR to provide a deep comparative analysis of traditional constant pressure versus modern cyclical pressure modalities. Delving into the science of ischemic preconditioning and endothelial function, attendees will discover how cyclical BFR offers distinct advantages in patient comfort, mitigating atrophy through passive application, and enhancing vascular health via repeated nitric oxide release. Participants will analyze evidence-based protocols for both modalities, learning to identify the optimal application for diverse clinical scenarios—from acute post-operative care to geriatric populations. Clinicians will leave equipped to leverage these nuanced differences to improve adherence and optimize functional outcomes.

Course Objectives:

Following this webinar, the participants will be able to:

• Define and differentiate between Constant and Cyclical Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) modalities.
• Analyze the distinct physiological mechanisms of each BFR modality, including sustained hypoxia, ischemic preconditioning, and endothelial nitric oxide production.
• Compare evidence-based protocols for both constant and cyclical BFR in active and passive applications.
• Identify key safety considerations, contraindications, and methods for personalizing pressure for BFR application.
• Utilize clinical decision-making skills to select the appropriate BFR modality and protocol for diverse patient populations, including post-operative, geriatric, and athletic individuals.

Schedule:

September 10^th

8:00 – 10:00 p.m.    Presentation and Q&A

Speakers:

Steven Munatones graduated from Harvard University. Fluent in Japanese, Munatones self-funded his college tuition by starting The Holy Grille at Harvard University.

Steven worked for the City & County of Honolulu and then moved to Japan for 8 years where he worked for Hitachi Koki. Over the last 28 years, he served as CEO of TOTO Frontier, Ibidlive, World Open Water Swimming Association, and currently KAATSU Global.

Steven was an NCAA Division I water polo player and swimmer, a Guinness World Record holder, an inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Ice Swimming Hall of Fame and received the Poseidon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He coached the USA Swimming national team, served as an NBC commentator at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and founded the World Open Water Swimming Association and World Open Water Swimming Federation.

He introduced KAATSU to the Department of Defense, NASA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS professional teams, over 80 American universities, numerous Olympians and Paralympians as well as people in their 80’s and 90’s, quadriplegics, amputees, and individuals from all walks of life.

Recommended Reading: None.

CEUs: 2.0 contact hours or 0.2 CEUs

Instruction Level: Basic

Format: Live online presentation with Q&A.

To Be Recorded: Yes

Cancellation:

All cancellation requests must be received in writing – no exceptions. A full refund, less 20% service fee, if cancellation is received before September 8. No refunds on or after September 8, 2025.