Cuff Selection and Blood Pressure Measurement Accuracy in Adults Engaged in Resistance Training A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.79.76805Keywords
resistanse training, cuff size, Measurement accuracy, Arm circumference, Bodybuilding, Blood pressure measurement, training, arterial hypertension, physical exercise, isometric training, aerobic trainingAbstract
Background: Accurate resting blood pressure measurement in adults engaged in resistance training may be complicated by large upper-arm circumference and inadequate cuff fit. Evidence from general adult populations requires careful interpretation when applied to muscular arms.
Aim: To evaluate evidence on cuff selection and blood pressure measurement accuracy and assess its applicability to adults engaged in resistance training.
Materials and Methods: This narrative review combined targeted Europe PMC searches restricted to PubMed records with supplementary publisher and reference-list searches. Twenty-five publications were assessed in full text. One additional study involving competitive bodybuilders was discussed separately using its indexed abstract. Findings were synthesized qualitatively, considering study design, cuff characteristics, reference methods and population applicability.
Results: Studies in general adult populations demonstrated that cuff size, geometry, positioning and device configuration can affect blood pressure readings. In a study of 193 competitive bodybuilders, the abstract reported that medium cuffs produced systolic readings averaging 8.2 mmHg higher than large cuffs in participants with arm circumference exceeding 33 cm. This represents between-cuff disagreement rather than established error against an independent reference; unavailable full text limited methodological appraisal. The reviewed evidence supports measuring arm circumference, assessing cuff fit and using validated device–cuff combinations. It does not establish a universally optimal cuff or a muscularity-specific correction factor.
Conclusions: Appropriate cuff selection is essential when interpreting blood pressure in resistance-trained adults. Findings from other populations support standardized measurement but require dedicated validation in muscular arms. Persistently elevated readings after technical correction warrant clinical evaluation.
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