This study will determine the safety and efficacy of using blood-flow restriction exercise enhancement (B-FREE) to overcome persistent quadriceps muscle weakness that occurs following a total knee replacement (TKR).
This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of using B-FREE to overcome persistent quadriceps muscle weakness that occurs following a TKR. We hypothesize that B-FREE can provide a safe training stimulus and offer a home-based program to restore quadriceps muscle strength and improve functional mobility. Specifically, subjects that have a TKR will perform B-FREE at home (light weights with resistance bands and walking) 3x/wk for 10 weeks. Quadriceps muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility will be assessed before and after the program. Changes in these variables will be compared to healthy age-matched uninjured controls.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Blood flow-restriction exercise enhancement (B-FREE) will be performed at home 3x/wk for 10 weeks. A blood pressure cuff will be inflated to partially occlude blood to the limb during light weight exercises involving knee extension, body weight squats, and walking.
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, Michigan, United States
Change in Muscle size
quadriceps muscle thickness
Time frame: Change from baseline at 10 weeks
Change in Muscle strength
quadriceps muscle strength
Time frame: Change from baseline at 10 weeks
Change in Walking performance
walking distance
Time frame: Change from baseline at 10 weeks
Change in Balance
balance assessment
Time frame: Change from baseline at 10 weeks
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