Blood Flow Restriction Cuff Location and the Achilles Tendon
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: (1) Assess differences in discomfort between blood flow restriction (BFR) cuff placements, (2) determine if low-load BFR can increase Achilles tendon size, and (3) compare changes in Achilles tendon size between the BFR cuff placements. SUBJECTS: Eighteen participants (15 F, 3 M; all right leg dominant; age 20-25yoa) METHODS AND MATERIALS: Participants were randomly assigned to either BFR with cuff at the proximal thigh (THIGH) or lower extremity (LE) at 50% limb occlusion pressure. Exercise protocol was twice a week for 6 weeks. Pre-, mid-, and post- ultrasound imaging was performed on the Achilles tendon. Exercises were straight knee (SK) and bent knee (BK) calf raises on a step. Participants completed 4 sets of exercises with 1 minute rest between sets and 3-minute rest between exercise. ANALYSES: Ultrasound measurements were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: A significant within-subject effect was found for Achilles tendon hypertrophy for both pre- vs mid- ultrasound (p = <0.001) and pre- vs post- ultrasound (p = <0.001). No significant between groups effects (p = 0.522). THIGH group reported greater soreness on the VAS scale before and after exercise sessions compared to the LE group. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups showed increased tendon size over 6 weeks with neither group showing greater gains comparatively. Using low-load BFR at either THIGH or LE may be beneficial to increase Achilles tendon size especially in patients who cannot do high-load resistance training such as post-surgery. Additionally, placing the cuff below the knee may be less painful compared to the proximal thigh.
Blood Flow Restriction Cuff Location and the Achilles Tendon
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: (1) Assess differences in discomfort between blood flow restriction (BFR) cuff placements, (2) determine if low-load BFR can increase Achilles tendon size, and (3) compare changes in Achilles tendon size between the BFR cuff placements. SUBJECTS: Eighteen participants (15 F, 3 M; all right leg dominant; age 20-25yoa) METHODS AND MATERIALS: Participants were randomly assigned to either BFR with cuff at the proximal thigh (THIGH) or lower extremity (LE) at 50% limb occlusion pressure. Exercise protocol was twice a week for 6 weeks. Pre-, mid-, and post- ultrasound imaging was performed on the Achilles tendon. Exercises were straight knee (SK) and bent knee (BK) calf raises on a step. Participants completed 4 sets of exercises with 1 minute rest between sets and 3-minute rest between exercise. ANALYSES: Ultrasound measurements were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: A significant within-subject effect was found for Achilles tendon hypertrophy for both pre- vs mid- ultrasound (p = <0.001) and pre- vs post- ultrasound (p = <0.001). No significant between groups effects (p = 0.522). THIGH group reported greater soreness on the VAS scale before and after exercise sessions compared to the LE group. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups showed increased tendon size over 6 weeks with neither group showing greater gains comparatively. Using low-load BFR at either THIGH or LE may be beneficial to increase Achilles tendon size especially in patients who cannot do high-load resistance training such as post-surgery. Additionally, placing the cuff below the knee may be less painful compared to the proximal thigh.