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Vehrs PR, Richards S, Blazzard C, Hart H, Kasper N, Lacey R, Lopez D, Baker L. Use of a handheld Doppler to measure brachial and femoral artery occlusion pressure. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1239582. [PMID: 37664423 PMCID: PMC10470651 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1239582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Measurement of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) is essential to the safe and effective use of blood flow restriction during exercise. Use of a Doppler ultrasound (US) is the "gold standard" method to measure AOP. Validation of a handheld Doppler (HHDOP) device to measure AOP could make the measurement of AOP more accessible to practitioners in the field. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of AOP measurements of the brachial and femoral arteries using an HHDOP. Methods: We simultaneously measured AOP using a "gold standard" US and a HHDOP in the dominant and non-dominant arms (15 males; 15 females) and legs (15 males; 15 females). Results: There were no differences in limb circumference or limb volume in the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs between males and females or between the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs of males and females. The differences between US and HHDOP measures of AOP in the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs were either not significant or small (<10 mmHg) and of little practical importance. There were no sex differences in AOP measurements of the femoral artery (p > 0.60). Bland-Altman analysis yielded an average bias (-0.65 mmHg; -2.93 mmHg) and reasonable limits of agreement (±5.56 mmHg; ±5.58 mmHg) between US and HHDOP measures of brachial and femoral artery AOP, respectively. Conclusion: HHDOP yielded acceptable measures of AOP of the brachial and femoral arteries and can be used to measure AOP by practitioners for the safe and effective use of blood flow restriction. Due to the potential differences in AOP between dominant and non-dominant limbs, AOP should be measured in each limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat R. Vehrs
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Shay Richards
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Chase Blazzard
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Hannah Hart
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Nicole Kasper
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Ryan Lacey
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Daniela Lopez
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Luke Baker
- Department of Statistics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Solie BS, Eggleston GG, Schwery NA, Doney CP, Kiely MT, Larson CM. Clinic and Home-Based Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction Resolves Thigh Muscle Atrophy after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with the Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft: A Case Report. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1885. [PMID: 37444719 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) results in thigh muscle atrophy. Of the various interventions proposed to mitigate thigh muscle atrophy, exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) appears safe and effective. Some literature suggests daily exposure to exercise with BFR may be indicated during the early phase of ACLR rehabilitation; this case report outlines the methodology utilized to prescribe clinic- and home-based BFR within an outpatient rehabilitation program. A 15-year-old male soccer player suffered a left knee injury involving the anterior cruciate ligament and both menisci. He underwent ACLR and completed exercise with BFR as part of his clinic- and home-based rehabilitation program, which included practical blood flow restriction during home-based rehabilitation. After 16 weeks of rehabilitation, surgical limb thigh girth values were objectively larger than the non-surgical limb (surgical, 52.25 cm; non-surgical 50 cm), as well as the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis of his lower-extremity lean body mass (surgical limb, 10.37 kg; non-surgical limb, 10.02 kg). The findings of this case report suggest that the inclusion of clinic- and home-based BFR within an outpatient rehabilitation program may be indicated to resolve thigh muscle atrophy early after ACLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braidy S Solie
- Training HAUS, 2645 Viking Circle, Suite #200, Eagan, MN 55121, USA
| | | | - Nicole A Schwery
- Training HAUS, 2645 Viking Circle, Suite #200, Eagan, MN 55121, USA
| | | | - Michael T Kiely
- Training HAUS, 2645 Viking Circle, Suite #200, Eagan, MN 55121, USA
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Neal BS, McManus CJ, Bradley WJ, Leaney SF, Murray K, Clark NC. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of lower limb garment-integrated blood flow restriction training in healthy adults. Phys Ther Sport 2023; 60:9-16. [PMID: 36640641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Explore the feasibility of lower-limb garment-integrated BFR-training. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Human performance laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Healthy males with no experience of BFR-training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Feasibility was determined by a priori thresholds for recruitment, adherence, and data collection. Safety was determined by measuring BFR torniquet pressure and the incidence of side effects. Efficacy was determined by measuring body anthropometry and knee isokinetic dynamometry. Feasibility and safety outcomes were reported descriptively or as a proportion with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), with mean change, 95% CIs, and effect sizes for efficacy outcomes. RESULTS Twelve participants (mean age 24.8 years [6.5]) were successfully recruited; 11 completed the study. 134/136 sessions were completed (adherence = 98.5%) and 100% of data were collected. There was one event of excessive pain during exercise (0.7%, 95% CI 0.0%, 4.0%), two events of excessive pain post-exercise (1.5%, 95% CI 0.4%, 5.5%), and one event of persistent paraesthesia post-exercise (0.7%, 95% CI 0.0%, 4.0%). Mean maximal BFR torniquet pressure was <200 mmHg. We observed an increase in knee extension peak torque (mean change 12.4 Nm), but no notable changes in body anthropometry. CONCLUSIONS Lower-limb garment-integrated BFR-training is feasible, has no signal of important harm, and could be used independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S Neal
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation & Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Chris J McManus
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation & Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Warren J Bradley
- Hytro Ltd, 2 Park Court, Pyford Road, West Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6SD, United Kingdom
| | - Sam F Leaney
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation & Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly Murray
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation & Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas C Clark
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation & Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
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Aniceto RR, da Silva Leandro L. Practical Blood Flow Restriction Training: New Methodological Directions for Practice and Research. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:87. [PMID: 35763185 PMCID: PMC9240154 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Most studies with blood flow restriction (BFR) training have been conducted using devices capable of regulating the restriction pressure, such as pneumatic cuffs. However, this may not be a viable option for the general population who exercise in gyms, squares and sports centers. Thinking about this logic, practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) training was created in 2009, suggesting the use of elastic knee wraps as an alternative to the traditional BFR, as it is low cost, affordable and practical. However, unlike traditional BFR training which seems to present a consensus regarding the prescription of BFR pressure based on arterial occlusion pressure (AOP), studies on pBFR training have used different techniques to apply the pressure/tension exerted by the elastic wrap. Therefore, this Current Opinion article aims to critically and chronologically examine the techniques used to prescribe the pressure exerted by the elastic wrap during pBFR training. In summary, several techniques were found to apply the elastic wrap during pBFR training, using the following as criteria: application by a single researcher; stretching of the elastic (absolute and relative overlap of the elastic); the perceived tightness scale; and relative overlap of the elastic based on the circumference of the limbs. Several studies have shown that limb circumference seems to be the greatest predictor of AOP. Therefore, we reinforce that applying the pressure exerted by the elastic for pBFR training based on the circumference of the limbs is an excellent, valid and safe technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ramalho Aniceto
- Study and Research Group in Biomechanics and Psychophysiology of Exercise, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua Manoel Lopes Filho, nº 773. Valfredo Galvão, Currais Novos, RN, CEP: 59380-000, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo da Silva Leandro
- Study and Research Group in Biomechanics and Psychophysiology of Exercise, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua Manoel Lopes Filho, nº 773. Valfredo Galvão, Currais Novos, RN, CEP: 59380-000, Brazil
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Dhokia B, Mabin EO, Bradley WJ, Neal BS. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of upper limb garment-integrated blood flow restriction training in healthy adults. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:34. [PMID: 35135623 PMCID: PMC8822736 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-00995-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood flow restriction training (BFR) has been demonstrated to increase muscle hypertrophy and strength, but has logistical and cost barriers. Garment-integrated BFR has the potential to reduce these barriers by lowering equipment demands and cost. The primary aim of the study was to explore the feasibility of garment-integrated BFR in the upper limb of healthy adults, with a secondary aim of exploring safety and efficacy. Methods Physically active and otherwise healthy participants with no previous experience with BFR were sought. Eligible participants completed a five-week garment-integrated BFR programme that involved completing two sessions per week. Feasibility was determined by a priori defined thresholds for recruitment, adherence to the garment-integrated BFR programme, and data collection. Safety was determined by recording adverse events and by monitoring for total arterial occlusion pressure using a fingertip pulse oximeter. Efficacy was determined by measuring push-ups to volitional failure, arm girth, and number of prescribed repetitions completed. Feasibility and safety outcomes were reported descriptively or as a proportion with associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Mean change, 95% CIs, and associated effect sizes were calculated for efficacy outcomes. Results Twenty-eight participants were included (15 men, 13 women; mean age 31.6 years [±9.1]) and 27 successfully completed the study. Participants were successfully recruited within three months and 278/280 sessions were successfully completed (adherence=99.3%, 95% CI 97.4%, 99.9%). Minimal adverse events were reported; one incident of localised bruising (0.36%, 95% CI 0.06%, 2.0%) and three incidences of excessive pain during or post-exercise from two separate participants (1.07%, 95% CI 0.03%, 3.1%). 82/2240 pulse oximeter readings were not recorded (3.7%, 95% CI 2.9%, 4.5%). Mean push-ups to volitional failure increased by 40% (mean change=8.0, 95% CI 6, 10, d=1.40). Mean arm girth and number of prescribed repetitions completed were unchanged. Conclusions Garment-integrated BFR is feasible and has no signal of important harm in the upper limb of healthy adults, and could proceed to a future trial with stop/go criteria for randomisation. Further work is required to investigate the efficacy of garment-integrated BFR and determine its equivalence or superiority compared to existing BFR methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavit Dhokia
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Elspeth Olivia Mabin
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Bradley Stephen Neal
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK. .,School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, UK.
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Bielitzki R, Behrendt T, Behrens M, Schega L. Current Techniques Used for Practical Blood Flow Restriction Training: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35:2936-2951. [PMID: 34319939 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bielitzki, R, Behrendt, T, Behrens, M, and Schega, L. Current techniques used for practical blood flow restriction training: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2936-2951, 2021-The purpose of this article was to systematically review the available scientific evidence on current methods used for practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) training together with application characteristics as well as advantages and disadvantages of each technique. A literature search was conducted in different databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) for the period from January 2000 to December 2020. Inclusion criteria for this review were (a) original research involving humans, (b) the use of elastic wraps or nonpneumatic cuffs, and (c) articles written in English. Of 26 studies included and reviewed, 15 were conducted using an acute intervention (11 in the lower body and 4 in the upper body), and 11 were performed with a chronic intervention (8 in the lower body, 1 in the upper body, and 2 in both the upper and the lower body). Three pBFR techniques could be identified: (a) based on the perceptual response (perceived pressure technique), (b) based on the overlap of the cuff (absolute and relative overlap technique), and (c) based on the cuffs' maximal tensile strength (maximal cuff elasticity technique). In conclusion, the perceived pressure technique is simple, valid for the first application, and can be used independently of the cuffs' material properties, but is less reliable within a person over time. The absolute and relative overlap technique as well as the maximal cuff elasticity technique might be applied more reliably due to markings, but require a cuff with constant material properties over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Bielitzki
- Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; and
| | - Tom Behrendt
- Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; and
| | - Martin Behrens
- Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; and
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lutz Schega
- Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; and
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Freitas EDS, Galletti BRA, Koziol KJ, Miller RM, Heishman AD, Black CD, Bemben D, Bemben MG. The Acute Physiological Responses to Traditional vs. Practical Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise in Untrained Men and Women. Front Physiol 2020; 11:577224. [PMID: 33117195 PMCID: PMC7552431 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.577224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared the acute physiological responses of traditional and practical blood flow restriction resistance exercise (tBFR and pBFR, respectively) and high- and low-load resistance exercise without BFR (HL and LL, respectively), as well as the potential sex differences within the aforementioned exercise methods. Fourteen men and fifteen women randomly completed the following experimental conditions: (1) tBFR, consisting of four sets of 30-15-15-15 repetitions of the bilateral horizontal leg press and knee extension exercises, at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM), with a 13.5 cm wide pneumatic cuff placed at the most proximal portion of each thigh and inflated to a pressure equivalent to 50% of the participant’s total occlusion pressure; (2) pBFR, which was the same as the tBFR condition, except that an elastic band wrapped around the proximal portion of each thigh at a tightness of 7 on a 0 to 10 perceived pressure scale was used to reduce blood flow; (3) LL, same as the tBFR and pBFR protocols, except that no BFR was applied; and (4) HL, consisting of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 1-RM, with the same 1-min rest interval between sets and a 3-min rest period between exercises. At baseline, immediately post-, 5 min post-, and 15 min post-exercise, whole-blood lactate (WBL), indices of muscle swelling (muscle thickness and thigh circumference), hematocrit and plasma volume changes, were measured as well as superficial electromyography (sEMG) amplitude during exercise. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the tBFR and pBFR exercise protocols for any of the physiological parameters assessed. However, significantly greater (p < 0.05) WBL and sEMG values were observed for HL compared to the remaining exercise conditions. Finally, males displayed greater WBL levels than females at 15 min post-exercise. Interestingly, males also displayed significantly (p < 0.05) greater sEMG amplitude than females within the low-load trials during leg press, but no significant (p < 0.05) sex differences were observed during knee extension. In conclusion, tBFR and pBFR seemed to be capable of inducing the same acute physiological responses. Furthermore, males displayed greater responses than females for some of the physiological parameters measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo D S Freitas
- Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Bianca R A Galletti
- Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Karolina J Koziol
- Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Ryan M Miller
- Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Aaron D Heishman
- Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Christopher D Black
- Sensory and Muscle Function Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Debra Bemben
- Bone Density Research Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Michael G Bemben
- Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
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Da Silva-Grigoletto ME, Neto EP, Behm DG, Loenneke JP, La Scala Teixeira CV. Functional Training and Blood Flow Restriction: A Perspective View on the Integration of Techniques. Front Physiol 2020; 11:817. [PMID: 32848818 PMCID: PMC7412632 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marzo E. Da Silva-Grigoletto
- Functional Training Group, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracajú, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Marzo E. Da Silva-Grigoletto
| | | | - David George Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Jeremy P. Loenneke
- Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, United States
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The Perceived Tightness Scale Does Not Provide Reliable Estimates of Blood Flow Restriction Pressure. J Sport Rehabil 2019; 29:516-518. [PMID: 31553951 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2018-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The perceived tightness scale is suggested to be an effective method for setting subocclusive pressures with practical blood flow restriction. However, the reliability of this scale is unknown and is important as the reliability will ultimately dictate the usefulness of this method. OBJECTIVE To determine the reliability of the perceived tightness scale and investigate if the reliability differs by sex. DESIGN Within-participant, repeated-measures. SETTING University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four participants (12 men and 12 women) were tested over 3 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and the pressure at which the participants rated a 7 out of 10 on the perceived tightness scale in the upper arm and upper leg. RESULTS The percentage coefficient of variation for the measurement was approximately 12%, with no effect of sex in the upper (median δ [95% credible interval]: 0.016 [-0.741, 0.752]) or lower body (median δ [95% credible interval]: 0.266 [-0.396, 0.999]). This would produce an overestimation/underestimation of ∼25% from the mean perceived pressure in the upper body and ∼20% in the lower body. Participants rated pressures above their AOP for the upper body and below for the lower body. At the group level, there were differences in participants' ratings for their relative AOP (7 out of 10) between day 1 and days 2 and 3 for the lower body, but no differences between sexes for the upper or lower body. CONCLUSIONS The use of the perceived tightness scale does not provide reliable estimates of relative pressures over multiple visits. This method resulted in a wide range of relative AOPs within the same individual across days. This may preclude the use of this scale to set the pressure for those implementing practical blood flow restriction in the laboratory, gym, or clinic.
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