Blood flow restriction training for adolescents after ACL surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study investigates the effects of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on adolescents aged 12-18 who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving BFRT and the other undergoing standard rehabilitation. The study will assess improvements in quadriceps muscle strength, quality of life, and overall tolerability of the BFRT approach over a 16-week period. Eight physical therapists will oversee the rehabilitation sessions at four sports medicine physical therapy sites, with regular measurements taken to evaluate outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adolescent male and female patients, age 12-18
2. Skeletally mature at time of diagnosis, with closed growth plates, as determined via standard clinic x-ray imaging (this specification automatically excludes pre-pubescent children.
3. Underwent transphyseal ACLR with quadriceps tendon autograft with one of three sports orthopedic surgeons at CHOA
4. Completed pre-surgery strength assessment of bilateral quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductor and hip adductor musculature.
5. English-speaking adolescents and parents of all races and ethnicities (after preliminary data is achieved, PI will coordinate a larger multi-center study that will include all non-English speaking participants.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Skeletally immature patients with open growth plates, as determined via standard clinic x-ray imaging
2. Concomitant procedures performed during ACLR which require weight-bearing restrictions (i.e. meniscus repair, microfracture, multi-ligament knee reconstruction)
3. History of previous knee surgery
4. History of cardiovascular disease (e.g. coronary artery disease, unstable hypertension, vascular endothelial dysfunction, peripheral artery disease, varicose veins)
5. ICD-10 diagnosis of bleeding disorder (e.g. hemophilia or blood clotting disorder) or use of anticoagulants or other medications that may affect blood clotting
6. Inability to adhere to treatment protocol (as described in study procedures, BFR-LLT treatment requirements)
7. Any adverse events intra-operatively or post-operatively that lead to delay in care, including infection
8. Failure to adhere to attendance requirements as detailed below:

   * Attend first PT visit (PTV) within 5 days post-surgery
   * Attend a minimum of 20 total PTVs during weeks 1-16 post-surgery

Where it's running

• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Physical Therapy
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jeanne Graf, PT, DPT, ATC — Clinical Site Supervisor, Physical Therapist
• Study coordinator: Jeanne Graf, PT, DPT, ATC
• Email: jeannie.graf@chao.org
• Phone: 404-785-8421

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Proprioceptive exercises to aid recovery after ACL surgery

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• Cross bracing versus early ACL reconstruction for recent ACL rupture

  This will try whether a 12-week cross bracing program plus supervised physiotherapy helps people aged 16–40 with a recent complete ACL tear more than early ACL reconstruction surgery.

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• Hockey slideboard training with blood flow restriction for ACL rehabilitation

  This study is testing if combining hockey slideboard training with blood flow restriction can help people recover better and safer after ACL surgery.

  Recruiting Spitalul Municipal Odorheiu Secuiesc · Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania · NCT06955026

• Using a robotic system to improve ACL surgery precision

  This study tests if using a robotic system during ACL surgery can make the surgery more accurate and improve recovery for patients.

  Recruiting Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT06858930

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.