How To Use Occlusion Cuff Elite
Why use The Occlusion Cuff®?
Increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance at training loads of 20-30% of 1RM.
No greater health risk than traditional exercise
Prevents or slows atrophy during periods of immobilisation
What is happening?
When blood flow restriction training using The Occlusion Cuff® allows arterial blood flow to a muscle, while restricting venous return. This results in:
- Increased type-2 fibre recruitment – greater potential for strength, speed and hypertrophy changes
- Increased local growth hormone and IGF-1 levels by 200-300%
- Greater and more rapid accumulation of metabolic by-products, such as lactate
- Enhanced stimulation of muscle protein synthesis by 45-55% – greater potential for growth and development with exercise
Training Advice:
The Occlusion Cuff® can be used during resistance training, aerobic training and passively with a muscle stimulator. It is not to be used in water.
The Occlusion Cuff® is most effective when training to fatigue with loads below 50%1RM.
A sample training format would be 3-5 sets of 15-30 repetitions, with 30-60s breaks between sets. This is most effective when performed 3-5 days per week for 6-10 weeks. However, The Occlusion Cuff® can be used in a variety of ways to stimulate greater muscle growth, endurance, and strength
Instructions:
- Ensure The Occlusion Cuff® is fully deflated by turning the pump valve anti- clockwise.
- Wrap The Occlusion Cuff® as high up the limb as possible.
- The Occlusion Cuff® should be medium tightness and wrapped neatly in-line.
- Close the pump valve by turning clockwise, but don’t over tighten. Attach the valve on the clear tubing of the gauge to the valve on the cuff. Press the silver pin on the larger valve and slightly turn clockwise to connect the valves.
- Inflate the cuff to the individualised pressure. It is recommended that the individual's limb occlusion pressure is measured using a doppler ultrasound (Purchase a Doppler Ultrasound).
- The Occlusion Cuff® should be inflated in the position of intended use. For example if the majority of the exercises are to be performed in standing then the cuff should be inflated in the standing position.
- Air can be released from the cuff by turning the nozzle on the gauge anticlockwise.
- Once the cuff is inflated, disconnect both the tubing and gauge from The Occlusion Cuff®.
Guidelines:
The Occlusion Cuff® pressure should be individualised. As a guide, upper limb pressures may be between 60-150 mmHg. As a guide, lower limb pressures may be between 150-250 mmHg.
When the correct pressure is identified the pressure should feel a 7/10 in intensity relative to your maximum tolerable pressure.
The Occlusion Cuff® can be worn continuously for 10-15mins. It is then recommended that the pressure be deflated for 2-3 minutes to allow for blood reperfusion. The cuff can then be inflated again.
NEVER perform exercises with the gauge still attached to The Occlusion Cuff®. Over time this may cause damage to the gauge.
It is normal for the pressure to drop slightly between exercise sets. It is recommended that your baseline pressure is inflated back to normal between sets.
Pressure in the cuff can be released by pressing the point on the top of the cuff valve. Or reattach the gauge tubing to the cuff and turn the gauge nozzle anti-clockwise.
The pressure should be decreased if you experience any of the following:
- Sensations of numbness
- Pins and needles
- Uncomfortable tingling
- Severe discomfort
Precautions:
Consult your doctor or physician before commencing any activity with the Occlusion Cuff®
Use of the Occlusion Cuff® is not recommended if you suffer from:
- Heart disease such as ischaemic heart disease, severe aortic stenosis, and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- Hypertension
- Previous cerebral haemorrhage/stroke
- A history of blood coagulation problems
Disclaimer:
Use of the Occlusion Cuff® is at the risk of the user and no responsibility is taken by Occlusion Cuff for any injury or harm caused directly or indirectly when using the Occlusion Cuff®
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