Brian Hortz, PhD, ATC, SFDN, is the Director of Research and Education at Structure & Function Education. Originally from Camden, NJ, he earned a B.A. in physical education (sports medicine) from Denison University, followed by a master's in sports medicine from Ohio University and a doctorate in Exercise Science from Ohio State University. Dr. Hortz was part of the Denison University athletic training staff from 1995 to 2019, serving as Head Athletic Trainer and later as Director of Sports Medicine. He is recognized for his expertise in dry needling and manual therapy, which he has utilized with collegiate and high-performance athletes. An acclaimed presenter at various conferences, he has held prestigious roles, including Ohio State PTOTAT licensure board chair. Inducted into the Ohio Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 2018, Dr. Hortz received multiple accolades, including the NATA Service Award. He also runs a concierge practice, providing one-on-one athlete care.
BFR facilitates considerable improvements in muscle strength and hypertrophy while utilizing lower loads compared to conventional resistance training, thereby rendering it appropriate for a diverse array of populations, including individuals recuperating from injuries and those managing chronic conditions such as Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. This article investigates the underlying mechanisms of BFR, its applications within rehabilitation, and its contribution to the enhancement of strength and conditioning programs.