Blood Flow Restriction in ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A Double-Blinded RCT

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether adding blood flow restriction (BFR) training to a traditional rehabilitation protocol (TRP) can improve muscle strength, knee proprioception, range of motion, pain, and lower limb function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study is conducted in male and female adults aged 18-35 years who underwent ACLR using a semitendinosus tendon autograft. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does adding BFR to a traditional rehabilitation protocol improve quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength after ACLR? Does adding BFR improve knee joint proprioception, range of motion, pain, and lower limb function after ACLR? Researchers compared a traditional rehabilitation protocol alone (control group) with the same protocol combined with blood flow restriction training (BFR group) to see if BFR provides superior improvements in postoperative outcomes. Participants was: randomly assigned to either a traditional rehabilitation group or a BFR-assisted rehabilitation group Perform supervised rehabilitation exercises from the 2nd to the 12th postoperative week Undergo assessments of muscle strength, knee proprioception, range of motion, pain, and function Be evaluated 1 week before surgery and at 1.5 and 3 months after ACL reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is commonly followed by persistent quadriceps and hamstring weakness, reduced knee range of motion, impaired proprioception, pain, and limitations in lower limb function despite standard rehabilitation. Traditional postoperative rehabilitation protocols may not fully restore neuromuscular performance within the early months following surgery. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has emerged as a rehabilitation strategy that allows low-load exercise to produce strength gains comparable to high-load training by partially restricting arterial inflow and venous outflow during exercise. This approach may be particularly beneficial in the early postoperative phase after ACLR, when high mechanical loading is contraindicated. This randomized controlled clinical trial investigates the effects of adding BFR training to a traditional rehabilitation protocol following ACL reconstruction. Participants are randomly allocated to either a traditional rehabilitation protocol alone or the same protocol combined with BFR applied to the operated limb during exercise sessions. Rehabilitation is initiated in the early postoperative period and continues for a standardized duration. Clinical outcomes related to muscle performance, knee joint function, proprioceptive accuracy, range of motion, and pain are evaluated at multiple time points before and after surgery to examine short-term and mid-term recovery patterns. The study aims to determine whether the inclusion of BFR enhances functional recovery compared with conventional rehabilitation alone following ACLR.