How to pressure Calibrate & Deflate Fit Cuffs
October 20, 2022
📈The principles of consistency, progressive overload, and the repeated bout effects apply to all sorts of training and rehab modalities.
💡Though, for BFR training additional parameters are paramount for the successful implementation of the mentioned principles. That is how the intended pressure (mmHg) is being applied and how this is standardized!?
⏩️Below is the discussion of the intended i.e., how much pressure during BFR Training has been skipped and you will find info on how to practically apply the intended pressure.
⚠️As the set pressure has already been determined it is important that this pressure is actually achieved and standardized accordingly. So, to successfully apply the pressure at least 2 concepts must be utilized:
Always “Calibrate” the intended pressure before exercising.
Always “Deflate” the cuffs accordingly before detachment
🎛Pressure Calibration – For proper fitting cuffs and to evade pressure variance between sets remember to “calibrate” the pressure. Start off by attaching the cuffs uniformly and evenly snug. Then contract/flex the corresponding muscles several times while the pressure gauge is still attached. The intended pressure should be measured after this calibration phase and importantly always read the dial (mmHg) in a complete resting state, by placing the weight on the opposite leg or resting the corresponding arm, respectively.
⤵️Pressure Deflation – After exercising but before you detach the cuffs, remember to deflate all the corresponding cuffs completely to attain a proper fit for the following training session. If you attach a cuff that has not been properly deflated the set-absolute pressure will be less restrictive i.e., less % of LOP being applied.
❔️Please leave us a comment if anything relevant to standardized pressures is missing here!?
Source for further reading: Rolnick et al. (2022) Beneath the Cuff: Often Overlooked and Under-Reported Blood Flow Restriction Device Characteristics and their Potential Impact on Practice
DOI:10.51224/SRXIV.185
