Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise with Different Cuff Types

Introduction: Although blood flow restriction (BFR) training has gained popularity, the original narrow semi-elastic pneumatic design of the KAATSU bands has been gradually replaced by wide-rigid nylon blood pressure cuffs that are cheaper and more readily available. The purpose of this study was to compare physiological and perceptual responses before and after BFR resistance exercise with different types of BFR cuffs. Methods: Twenty-six healthy young adults (10 females) completed three testing visits. In the first visit, blood pressure and maximal muscle strength were measured to determine cuff pressure and weight to be used for the training sessions. In the second and third training sessions, which were conducted in a randomized order, the participants completed single-arm BFR sessions with either a wide-rigid cuff or a narrow semi-elastic pneumatic band. In each training session, the participants performed three sets of biceps curls, triceps extensions, and handgrip exercises. Results: When the participants were performing BFR exercise with the wide-rigid cuff, systolic blood pressure was higher after the handgrip exercise, and diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure were higher after all three exercises (P < 0.05). Perceived exertion and soreness levels were greater after the biceps curls, and pain level was greater after all three exercises with use of wide-rigid cuff (P < 0.05). Changes in heart rate and blood lactate concentration were not different between cuff conditions. Conclusion: The use of wide-rigid cuffs might elicit greater increases in blood pressure, perceived exertion, and pain during BFR resistance training. Our results suggested that cuff selection might be an important consideration when prescribing BFR training.