Comparing blood flow restriction training to traditional resistance training after ACL surgery

Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training vs Traditional Resistance Training Exercises Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Abasyn University Peshawar · NCT06480032

This study is testing whether a special type of low-load training with blood flow restriction can help people recover better after ACL surgery compared to regular strength training.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorAbasyn University Peshawar Academic / other
Locations1 site (Peshawar, KPK)
Trial IDNCT06480032 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFR) compared to traditional resistance training exercises (T-RT) in improving outcomes for individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. A total of 32 participants will be randomly assigned to either the BFR-RT or T-RT group, with interventions lasting for eight weeks. The study will measure key outcomes such as skeletal muscle hypertrophy, strength, range of motion, pain, and joint effusion at various time points throughout the intervention. The findings may provide valuable insights for enhancing rehabilitation protocols following ACLR surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who have undergone unilateral ACL reconstruction surgery within the past 8 weeks and are free from significant comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis, significant comorbidities, or those on anticoagulant medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation outcomes and recovery for patients after ACL reconstruction surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with blood flow restriction training, suggesting potential benefits in rehabilitation settings, though this specific comparison is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Post-ACL reconstruction surgery (week 0-8)
* Both male and female
* No known history of central or peripheral neurological impairment
* Free of any cardiac, pulmonary or metabolic conditions
* Willing to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of deep vein thrombosis or vascular pathology in any lower limb
* Intraarticular injections into the knee in the preceding 6 months
* Rheumatoid arthritis or other significant co-morbidities
* Use of anticoagulant medications

Where this trial is running

Peshawar, KPK

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions StrengthRange of MotionPain-KneeSkeletal Muscle HypertrophyEffusion JointBlood Flow Restriction TrainingResistance TrainingAnterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.