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Article
Blood Flow Restriction Training and Betaine Supplementation as a Novel Combined Modality to Augment Skeletal Muscle Adaptation: A Short Review
Strength and Conditioning Journal (2021)
  • Steven B. Machek, Baylor University
  • Thomas D. Cardaci, Baylor University
  • Darryn S. Willoughby, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Abstract
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training and betaine supplementation are emerging training tools with growing evidence, potentially providing a synergistic stimulus to augment skeletal muscle adaptation. Betaine may facilitate stretch-mediated anabolism secondary to BFR-induced extracellular-to-intracellular fluid influx, whereby their combination may promote a new, low-barrier avenue for athletes and clinical practitioners to elicit hypertrophy and strength. This review aims to (a) demonstrate existing evidence on BFR- and betaine-mediated skeletal muscle growth, (b) provide rationale for their combination as a superior anabolic stimulus, and (c) advocate for athletes and the elderly as prime demographics for a potentially valuable BFR-betaine synergistic therapy.
Keywords
  • sarcopenia,
  • occlusion training,
  • trimethylglycine,
  • resistance training,
  • ergogenic aid,
  • mechanotransduction
Disciplines
Publication Date
2021
DOI
10.1519/SSC.0000000000000556
Citation Information
Steven B. Machek, Thomas D. Cardaci and Darryn S. Willoughby. "Blood Flow Restriction Training and Betaine Supplementation as a Novel Combined Modality to Augment Skeletal Muscle Adaptation: A Short Review" Strength and Conditioning Journal Vol. 43 Iss. 2 (2021) p. 50 - 63
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/steven-machek/14/