This study aimed to investigate the impact of the blood flow restriction bladder type (single- [SC-BFR] vs. multi-chambered [MC-BFR]) on cardiovascular responses with exercise sessions incorporating multiple sets to volitional failure in a randomized, crossover experimental design.
Twenty-seven healthy, physically active participants (11 females; age: 22.6±5.7; BMI: 25.0±4.1 kg/m2; ~93% reported regular resistance training within 6 months) randomly performed wall squats to failure (4 x sets to failure, 20% 1RM, 60% limb occlusion pressure, 1 min rest between sets) in each of three conditions: SC-BFR (using the Delfi Personalized Tourniquet Device), MC-BFR (using the BStrong Cuffs), and N-BFR (no BFR control). Hemodynamic assessments and indices of arterial stiffness were monitored immediately before and after each exercise session.
SC-BFR blunted post-exercise increases in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (p = 0.328) whereas the other conditions showed elevations (p < 0.05).
The bladder design of a BFR cuff impacts the acute responses to exercise, as SC-BFR mitigates post-exercise arterial stiffness responses compared to MC-BFR and N-BFR. This was the first intervention to examine the acute effects of BFR bladder design on arterial stiffness during lower body exercise. SC-BFR appears to be a safe option for lower limb occlusion training.