Effects of Shorter Blood Flow Restriction Cycles on Perceptual and Cardiovascular Responses
Disciplines
Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
A typical 5-min blood flow restriction (BFR) protocol has been reported as painful, which may limit adherence. PURPOSE: To determine whether shorter and more frequent cuff inflations are preferable to the 5-min BFR protocol. METHODS: Using a within-subject design, participants completed 4 visits. Visit 1 included familiarization. For visits 2-4, participants had 1 of 3 conditions applied on the dominant arm while supine: 5-min (BFR5, 5 cycles), 3-min (BFR3, 7 cycles), or 0-min (CON, 7 cycles) of cuff inflation at 80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). After a 5-min rest with the dominant arm abducted 90 degrees, AOP was measured with an automated device. Ratings of pain and perceived discomfort were reported with separate 10-point scales. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (OSat) were measured with pulse oximetry. At baseline, and in the last 60 seconds of cuff inflation, perceived pain, discomfort, HR, and OSat were recorded. For statistical analysis, change scores (Δ, last cycle-baseline) were compared using one-way Bayesian Repeated Measures ANOVAs. Data reported as mean±standard deviation. RESULTS: 17 participants (22±3yr, 78.0±12.7kg, 171.2±11.7cm) completed this study. ΔPain (A.U., BF10=8.341) was higher in BFR5 (1±2) than both BFR3 (1±1, BF10=2.430) and CON (0±0, BF10=2.700). BFR3 was higher than CON (BF10=1.163). ΔDiscomfort (A.U., BF10=23432.433) was higher for BFR5 (2±2) than BFR3 (1±1, BF10=11.268) and CON (0±0, BF10=3044.322). CON was lower than BFR3 (BF10=5.298). ΔHR (bpm, BF10=1.012) had anecdotal evidence for a difference across BFR5 (4±9), BFR3 (-1±4), and CON (-1±5). ΔOSat (%, BF10=15.700) was similar between BFR5 (-10.750±11.498) and BFR3 (-6.500±8.827, BF10=0.487). CON (0.500±1.624) was higher than BFR5 (BF10=11.393) and BFR3 (BF10=4.160). ΔAOP (mm Hg, BF10=0.296 was similar across BFR5 (-1.375±5.795), BFR3 (1.688±12.552), and CON (1.625±4.843). CONCLUSION: Shorter cuff inflations with additional cycles may improve perceptions, and 3- or 5-min cycles elicit similar changes to the cardiovascular response.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Exercise Science and Sport Management
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Daphney M. Carter
Effects of Shorter Blood Flow Restriction Cycles on Perceptual and Cardiovascular Responses
A typical 5-min blood flow restriction (BFR) protocol has been reported as painful, which may limit adherence. PURPOSE: To determine whether shorter and more frequent cuff inflations are preferable to the 5-min BFR protocol. METHODS: Using a within-subject design, participants completed 4 visits. Visit 1 included familiarization. For visits 2-4, participants had 1 of 3 conditions applied on the dominant arm while supine: 5-min (BFR5, 5 cycles), 3-min (BFR3, 7 cycles), or 0-min (CON, 7 cycles) of cuff inflation at 80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). After a 5-min rest with the dominant arm abducted 90 degrees, AOP was measured with an automated device. Ratings of pain and perceived discomfort were reported with separate 10-point scales. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (OSat) were measured with pulse oximetry. At baseline, and in the last 60 seconds of cuff inflation, perceived pain, discomfort, HR, and OSat were recorded. For statistical analysis, change scores (Δ, last cycle-baseline) were compared using one-way Bayesian Repeated Measures ANOVAs. Data reported as mean±standard deviation. RESULTS: 17 participants (22±3yr, 78.0±12.7kg, 171.2±11.7cm) completed this study. ΔPain (A.U., BF10=8.341) was higher in BFR5 (1±2) than both BFR3 (1±1, BF10=2.430) and CON (0±0, BF10=2.700). BFR3 was higher than CON (BF10=1.163). ΔDiscomfort (A.U., BF10=23432.433) was higher for BFR5 (2±2) than BFR3 (1±1, BF10=11.268) and CON (0±0, BF10=3044.322). CON was lower than BFR3 (BF10=5.298). ΔHR (bpm, BF10=1.012) had anecdotal evidence for a difference across BFR5 (4±9), BFR3 (-1±4), and CON (-1±5). ΔOSat (%, BF10=15.700) was similar between BFR5 (-10.750±11.498) and BFR3 (-6.500±8.827, BF10=0.487). CON (0.500±1.624) was higher than BFR5 (BF10=11.393) and BFR3 (BF10=4.160). ΔAOP (mm Hg, BF10=0.296 was similar across BFR5 (-1.375±5.795), BFR3 (1.688±12.552), and CON (1.625±4.843). CONCLUSION: Shorter cuff inflations with additional cycles may improve perceptions, and 3- or 5-min cycles elicit similar changes to the cardiovascular response.