23.04.2024 | Commentary
Commentary of the measurement of arterial occlusion pressure prior to blood flow restriction training
verfasst von:
Pat R. Vehrs, Ph.D., FACSM
Erschienen in:
German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research
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Excerpt
Blood flow restriction (BFR) can be used passively without exercise, or combined with resistance training, aerobic exercise or neuromuscular stimulation (Patterson et al.,
2019) and is a viable training option for load-compromised individuals following an injury or surgery and for those who are unable or prefer not to strength train with heavier loads typically recommended. The key component of BFR training is the partial restriction of arterial blood flow and occlusion of venous blood flow. Blood flow restriction during exercise is accomplished through the use of a wrap, band or inflatable cuff. Use of wraps and bands with which the degree of blood flow restriction cannot be determined introduces safety and efficacy issues (McEwen, Owens, & Jeyasurya,
2019) including the possibility of using restrictive pressures that occlude rather than partially restrict arterial blood flow (Freitas, Karabulut, & Bemben,
2021). Applying occlusive pressures during exercise reduces effectiveness of BFR training and increases risk of muscular and neural damage and other adverse events (Chulvi-Medrano, Cortell-Tormo, Hernandez-Sanchez, Picon-Martinez, & Rolnick,
2023). Arterial blood flow should not be completely occluded during exercise (Montoye et al.,
2023). Use of an inflatable pneumatic cuff allows for the consistent application of a safe, effective and measurable blood flow restriction during training. The current recommendation is to use a cuff pressure representing 40–80% of the limb’s arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) during BFR training (Cognetti, Sheean, & Owens,
2022; Hughes, Paton, Rosenblatt, Gissane, & Patterson,
2017; McEwen et al.,
2019; Patterson et al.,
2019; Scott, Loenneke, Slattery, & Dascombe,
2015). Thus, the measurement of AOP is essential for the safe and effective use of BFR training. This commentary will briefly synthesize the currently available literature about the measurement of AOP and provide research-informed guidance for the measurement of AOP prior to using BFR during training. …
