PREDICTIVE EQUATION FOR BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING

ABSTRACT Introduction No research has investigated predictive equations for application in blood flow restriction (BFR) training using a cuff with a circumference of 18 cm for the lower limbs, and including age and sex as predictor variables. Objectives To develop an equation to predict cuff pressure levels for use in BFR training for the lower limbs. Methods A total of 51 adults (age 23.23 ± 5.24 years) of both sexes (males, n= 32; females, n= 19) underwent a series of tests and anthropometric (body mass, height, body mass index – BMI, and thigh circumference – TC) and hemodynamic (brachial systolic – SBP – and diastolic – DBP – blood pressure) measurements. The arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) of the lower limbs was measured using a Doppler probe. Results The predictive equation was developed based on a hierarchical linear regression model consisting of six blocks, corresponding to TC (β = 0.380; p = 0.005), SBP (β = 0.091; p = 0.482), age (β = 0.320; p = 0.015), and sex (β = -0.207; p = 0.105), which explained 39.7% of the variation in arterial occlusion pressure. DBP and BMI were not associated with AOP. As a result, the predictive equation is as follows: AOP (mmHg) = 65.290 + 1.110 (TC in cm) + 0.178 (SBP in mmHg) + 1.153 (age in years) – 7.984 (sex, 1 – male and 2 – female), reporting values of r = 0.630, r2 = 0.397 and SEE = 15,289. Conclusion Cuff pressure for BFR training of the lower limbs may be selected based on TC, SBP, age and sex, and thigh circumference is considered the main predictor. Level of Evidence III, Non-consecutive studies, or studies without consistently applied reference standard. RESUMEN Introducción Ninguna pesquisa investigó las ecuaciones predictivas para aplicación en el entrenamiento de restricción del flujo sanguíneo (RFS) utilizando un manguito de 18 cm de circunferencia para los miembros inferiores e incluyendo la edad y sexo como variables predictoras. Objetivos Desarrollar una ecuación predictiva de los niveles de presión del manguito para uso en el entrenamiento de RFS para los miembros inferiores. Métodos Un total de 51 adultos (23,23 ± 5,24 años) de ambos sexos (masculino, n = 32, femenino, n = 19) fueron sometidos a una serie de pruebas y mediciones antropométricas (masa corporal, estatura, índice de masa corporal - IMC y circunferencia del muslo - CM) y hemodinámicas (presión sistólica braquial – PSB , y diastólica – PDB). La presión de oclusión arterial (POA) de los miembros inferiores se midió mediante una son