Cuff Bladder Position Impacts Occlusion Pressure

Numerous factors can influence the assessment of limb occlusion pressure (LOP), an important variable in prescription of blood flow restriction training. This study sought to determine if the bladder position (either inside- medially or outside- laterally) of the cuff had an influence on LOP and to determine if there did exist a difference, if it was clinically meaningful.

Thirty-two individuals (13 F, 19 M; ~22 y.o) were positioned in supine and had a 12-cm wide Hokanson cuff applied to the legs in a randomized fashion with the bladder applied either inside or outside. Doppler assessment to determine LOP was done on the posterior tibial artery until no audible signals were detectable.

Results showed a difference with the outside bladder requiring higher pressures to occlude the limb. The difference between inside and outside cuff bladder position was about 17 mm Hg and the difference between the two was worse with higher pressures and larger thighs.

Clinical applicability: Along with the position of the cuff, bladder position should be standardized as well in documentation.

SOURCE: Spitz et al. (2019). The position of the cuff bladder has a large impact on the pressure needed for blood flow restriction.

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