How to Use Fit Cuffs
- Considerations Before Attachment ↓
- General Instructions For Attachment & Deflation Of The Cuffs ↓
- Troubleshooting – Decreasing Pressures (Low mmHg) During Exercise ↓
- Before using Fit Cuffs, please consider any relevant safety concerns at BFR & Safety Concerns. ⇩
- Obtain an appropriate and individualized pressure (mmHg) by the “Calculate Pressure” module at training.fitcuffs.com OR set the pressure as a percentage (40-80%) relative to Limb Occlusion Pressure/Arterial Occlusion Pressure (LOP/AOP) ⇩
2A Calculate Pressure – Set the pressure (mmHg) by the Calculate Pressure module at training.fitcuffs.com:
To use the module, you must measure the corresponding circumference of your upper arm or upper thigh, and please remember to do the measurement in a relaxed resting state. Go to the Fit Cuffs Training App and navigate to the “Calculate Pressure” module, to acquire a personalized pressure recommendation (mmHg) for Your training. The pressure recommendation is calculated from an algorithm that predicts Arterial Occlusion Pressure (AOP). For optimal effect of Your training, update the pressure as often as possible, as we advise to increase pressure if You use Fit Cuffs regularly.
The Calculate Pressure module is a convenient and valid alternative to LOP – See Web App Explained for additional information concerning the Calculate Pressure module.
2B Limb Occlusion Pressure – Set the Pressure (mmHg) relative to LOP via the Bluetooth Device or handheld doppler:
In clinical practice or for individuals with relative contraindications, it is advised to set the pressure relative to LOP.
Please see Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP) by Bluetooth for more information concerning LOP and the guide for the Bluetooth Device. You will receive information concerning the 3. party App for the Bluetooth Device via email if applicable for Your order.
- Before attachment – Ensure that the cuff is empty (completely deflated). – Please remember to deflate the cuffs after every training session to attain a proper fit of the cuffs! The Fit Manometer (pressure gauge) will deflate the cuffs by turning the valve counter-clockwise. ⇩
- Attachment – Slide the cuff through the nylon loop and make sure the metal female connector is facing downwards. For fast and convenient attachments, be aware of the left and right versions of your cuffs which is relevant for the Complete & Performance models. Please check the videos here on this page to distinguish “left” & “right” versions. ⇩
- The tension of the cuff – Make sure to have a semi-snug attachment, so that 2-3 fingers can easily pass underneath the cuff. Loose-fitting cuffs will require higher pressure to restrict blood flow and may slide during exercise. A tight-fitting cuff will inhibit muscle contractions and result in excessive pressure fluctuations during muscle contractions. ⇩
- Inflation – Close the valve on the Fit Manometer (pressure gauge) by turning it clockwise and attache the male connector to the female connector on the cuff. You will hear a distinct “click” when the Fit Manometer has been connected successfully. ⇩
- Pressure calibration – For a proper fit and to avoid pressure drop during exercise you should “calibrate” the pressure (mmHg) within the cuffs. This is done by contracting the corresponding muscles several times while the Fit Manometer (pressure gauge) is still attached – see the video above “Attachment – Inflation & Pressure Calibration”. The goal pressure should be measured in a complete resting state, by placing the weight on the opposite leg or resting the corresponding arm, respectively. “Please remember to Pressure Calibrate Before Training To Avoid Pressure Drop During Exercise!”
- If You’re struggling with pressure leak during exercise, please consider the various reasons for this issue and not an actual “air-leak”: ⇩
- When initiating inflation of the cuff the vasculature underneath the cuff will be forced downstream. This effect will only exacerbate when contracting the corresponding muscles reducing the circumference of the limb and thereby a drop in pressure (mmHg). ⇩
- The nylon material is semi-elastic and the initial slack of the velcro attachment will lengthen during the first muscle contractions. So, the overall circumference of the cuff will expand initially creating a pressure drop because of this small but significant elongation. ⇩
- Sufficient “calibration” is simply imperative to attenuate pressure drop as described above. Contract the relevant muscles several times while the Fit Manometer is still attached and remember to repeat this procedure accordingly. It might take about 1-2 minutes to get the pressure stable before exercising. ⇩
- Please also consider, that even though the calibration phase has been done accordingly, You might experience a pressure drop if the cuff moves during exercise. In most cases, this can be attenuated if You remember to completely deflate the cuffs before attachment to attain a proper fit. ⇩
- If the initial pressure calibration has been implemented accordingly but pressure drops during exercise, reassess the pressure during training immediately after the first set or interval.
How much pressure (mmHg)? – The Pressure-Load Continuum in Blood Flow Restriction Training ⬇
The time and less-load benefit of doing BFR are relative to the amount of relative pressure, being that higher pressure 70-90% of Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP) seems to be favorable when tolerated.
This is particularly relevant when using very low-load (<25% 1RM), as there seems to be a threshold of at least 60% LOP when using very low load.
It seems that relative load and relative pressure exist on a mutually affected continuum. When using moderate-loads (40-50% of 1RM) use less pressure (40-60% LOP). On the other hand, when utilizing very low-load (<25% of 1 RM) It is strongly recommended to use higher relative pressures (70-90% LOP).
The load-pressure continuum appears to be a very important consideration especially post-operation or on other occasions with prescribed load restrictions. Conversely, for BFR application in a gym setting without any strict load restriction, it is probably favorable to utilize less pressure (40-60% LOP) but the higher relative load (30-50% 1 RM). This phenomenon is illustrated below.
Source:
Cerqueira et al. (2021) Repetition Failure Occurs Earlier During Low-Load Resistance Exercise With High But Not Low Blood Flow Restriction Pressures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Pignanelli et al (2019) Low-load resistance training to task failure with and without blood flow restriction- Muscular functional and structural adaptations
If you would like the PDF manual for Fit Cuffs® Training System please send this request at info@fitcuffs.com. For different Training Protocols see How When & Why BFR & The Complete BFR Guide
