The Influence of Cuff Width, Sex, and Race on Arterial Occlusion: Implications for Blood Flow Restriction Research

Abstract

The AOP is dependent upon cuff width, highlighting the need for authors to report cuff width and consider the impact it has on restriction. Participant characteristics, especially arm circumference, should be considered when applying this blood flow restriction pressure. Lastly, both sex and race have an impact on AOP, although it is not presently known how meaningful this difference is.

Perceptual and arterial occlusion responses to very low load blood flow restricted exercise performed to volitional failure

“…The interaction with a bigger limb and a 10 cm cuff precludes arterial occlusion from being obtained, and this is likely why 8 of the 11 individuals excluded were males (Jessee et al, 2016). We were unable to obtain an arterial occlusion measure for 18 of the possible 92 postmeasures (19Á5%) which excluded 11 of the 23 individuals in the sample.…”

The acute muscular response to blood flow‐restricted exercise with very low relative pressure

“…>70% 1RM) resistance training (Laurentino et al, 2012;Martin-Hernandez et al, 2013;Vechin et al, 2015). Many BFR studies involving the upper (Jessee et al, 2016) and lower (Loenneke et al, 2012b,c) body have used absolute pressures, which could be problematic as the stimulus may not be the same for all participants. Although some researchers have applied a restrictive stimulus based on brachial systolic blood pressure measurements, it has been suggested that the application of pressure be made relative to the cuff used for BFR and to the individual, in order to ensure a similar stimulus for each participant (Loenneke et al, 2013).…”

Interface pressure, perceptual, and mean arterial pressure responses to different blood flow restriction systems

“…The cuff was replaced on the leg, the cuff bladder port was connected to the sensor device, and LOP was calculated using Doppler ultrasound at the posterior tibial artery according to previous procedures . (Figure ) for the rest trial, lying supine on a treatment bed participants underwent 2 × 1 minute inflations at 40% and 80% LOP, in that order, separated by 5 minutes of rest . Participants then moved to the leg press, resting for 10 minutes before beginning the exercise trial.…”

“…16 (Figure 1) for the rest trial, lying supine on a treatment bed participants underwent 2 × 1 minute inflations at 40% and 80% LOP, in that order, separated by 5 minutes of rest. 17,18 Participants then moved to the leg press, resting for 10 minutes before beginning the exercise trial. The exercise experimental protocols involved unilateral leg press exercise and were matched for load (30% 1RM), sets (4), repetitions (75), pressure (80% LOP) and contraction cycle (1 s concentric/1 s eccentric) using a metronome.…”

“…Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) 19 and pain (0-10) 19 were measured following each set. Participants received verbal instructions on rating both during the familiarization visit and were reminded on each subsequent visit.…”