An examination of acute physiological and perceptual responses following blood flow restriction exercise using a traditional research device or novel, automated system.

Objective . To compare the acute physiological and perceptual responses to blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise using a traditional research device or novel, automated system. Methods . Forty-four resistance trained individuals performed four sets of unilateral elbow flexion exercise (30% one-repetition maximum) to volitional failure using two distinct restrictive devices [SmartCuffs PRO BFR Model (SMARTCUFF), Hokanson E20 Rapid Inflation device (HOKANSON)] and with two levels of BFR [40% limb occlusion pressure (LOP), 80% LOP]. Blood pressure (BP), muscle thickness (MT), and isometric strength (ISO) were assessed prior to and following exercise. Perceptual responses [ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), discomfort] were assessed prior to exercise and following each exercise set. Main results . Data are displayed as means (SD). Immediately following exercise with 40% LOP, there were no statistical differences between devices for BP, MT, and ISO. However, only following Set 1 of exercise, RPE was greater with SMARTCUFF compared to HOKANSON ( p < 0.05). In addition, only following Set 2 of exercise, discomfort was greater with HOKANSON compared to SMARTCUFF ( p < 0.001). Immediately following exercise with 80% LOP, there were no statistical differences between devices for BP, MT, and ISO. However, only following Set 4 of exercise, RPE was greater with HOKANSON compared to SMARTCUFF ( p < 0.05). In addition, following all exercise sets, discomfort was greater with HOKANSON compared to SMARTCUFF ( p < 0.001). For repetitions completed with 40% LOP there were no statistical differences between SMARTCUFF and HOKANSON across any exercise sets. For repetitions completed with 80% LOP there were no statistical differences between SMARTCUFF and HOKANSON across Set 1 of exercise ( p = 0.34), however, for Sets 2-4 of exercise, significantly greater number of repetitions were completed during SMARTCUFF than HOKANSON. Significance . The present study provides valuable insight into the efficacy of a novel, automated BFR system (SMARTCUFF) eliciting comparable acute physiological responses to BFR exercise and in some cases favorable perceptual responses when compared to a traditional research device (HOKANSON).