Blood flow restriction training to improve recovery after Achilles tendon repair
Optimizing Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: The Role of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Tendon and Muscle Recovery
This trial will test whether adding blood flow restriction training to standard rehabilitation helps adults recover muscle strength and tendon function after surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 82 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ghent, East-Flanders and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07131787 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled trial will compare rehabilitation with blood flow restriction (BFR) to conventional strength training in adults who have had surgical repair for a midportion Achilles tendon rupture at two Ghent hospitals. Participants start a supervised 24-week exercise program beginning four weeks after surgery and are assigned to either standardized strength training with a smart-cuff pro BFR device or the same program without BFR. Outcomes include functional recovery, muscle strength, and tendon-related measures assessed clinically and with imaging over the follow-up period. The trial is conducted at Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital with follow-up visits at those sites.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 who had surgical repair of a midportion Achilles tendon rupture, can understand Dutch, and have no medical conditions that would prevent exercise or BFR are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral or prior Achilles ruptures, diabetes, rheumatic disease, prior deep venous thrombosis, severe cardiovascular disease, or other leg conditions limiting exercise may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding BFR to rehab could speed strength recovery and improve tendon healing, helping patients return to daily activities and sports sooner.
How similar studies have performed: BFR has shown promise for improving muscle strength in other orthopedic rehabilitation settings, but its specific benefit after Achilles tendon repair is not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients with total midrupture Achilles tendon rupture * surgical treatment * \> 18 years old * able to understand and speak Dutch Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral Achilles tendon rupture * Previous Achilles tendon rupture * Previous treatment with fluoroquinolones or cortisone * other condition in either leg that would limit the ability to perform the exercises or evaluations * Diabetes or rheumatic diseases * History of deep venous thrombosis * severe cardiovascular disease
Where this trial is running
Ghent, East-Flanders and 1 other locations
- Ghent University — Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Ghent University Hospital — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arne Burssens, Professor — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Sarah VanDen Berghe
- Email: sarah.vandenberghe@ugent.be
- Phone: +32471178728
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.