Comparison of Vascular Dopplers in Measuring Limb Occlusion Pressure for Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Authors

Kiara Barrett, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VAFollow
Logan Page, South University, Savannah, GAFollow
Marcin Szczyglowski, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, COFollow
Tyler Martin, Troy University, Troy, ALFollow
J. Grant Mouser, Troy University, Troy, ALFollow

Abstract

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 7, 2023. The use of blood flow restriction is becoming more common and requires the use of individualized pressures in order to remain a safe and effective rehabilitation modality. Measuring limb occlusion pressure (LOP) allows the practitioner to set the restriction pressure so that full occlusion does not occur. Objective: Compare a research-grade clinical vascular doppler and a consumer-grade vascular doppler in the measurement of LOP. Design: A randomized crossover design measuring LOP in the upper and lower body. Methods: 20 participants (men=10) visited the laboratory on one occasion. Limb circumference in the arm and thigh was measured. Following 10 min of supine rest, LOP was measured either in the arm, using a 5 cm wide inelastic cuff, or in the leg, using a 10 cm wide inelastic cuff. Measurements were repeated at 5 min intervals until LOP had been measured in both limbs with both dopplers. Results: Bland-Altman analysis showed agreement between the two dopplers in both the upper body (mean bias: 0.6 (-1.3 – 2.4) mmHg) and lower body (mean bias: -1.5 (-4.4 – 1.4) mmHg). Two one-sided tests of equivalence determined that both dopplers measured a statistically equivalent LOP in the upper body (p = .547) and lower body (p = .288). Conclusions: In a healthy, young population, the consumer-grade vascular doppler measured LOP equally as well as the research-grade clinical doppler.

Repository Citation

Barrett, Kiara; Page, Logan; Szczyglowski, Marcin; Martin, Tyler; and Mouser, J. Grant (2023) "Comparison of Vascular Dopplers in Measuring Limb Occlusion Pressure for Blood Flow Restriction Therapy," Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/scholarship_kin/vol4/iss1/7