Effects of blood flow restriction training on recovery after ACL surgery

Immunometabolic Mechanisms of Blood Flow Restriction Training After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Not applicable Interventional Yale University · NCT05012982

This study is testing whether blood flow restriction training can help people recover better after ACL surgery by improving how their immune cells work.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Milford, Connecticut and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05012982 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how blood flow restriction (BFR) training impacts immune cell metabolism and gene expression in patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Participants will undergo two training sessions, one with BFR using an AirBand and one without, while being monitored by a certified therapist. The study aims to determine if BFR can enhance recovery by promoting anabolic responses and energy provision in immune cells. The design is a single-blind crossover, ensuring that the analysis remains unbiased.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 60 who are recovering from ACL reconstruction and can comply with study procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with serious medical conditions, multiple ligament injuries, or significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve recovery outcomes and rehabilitation efficiency for patients after ACL surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of BFR in ACL recovery is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in other rehabilitation contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for two study visits at least 1 week apart
3. All genders, between 18 and 60 years of age
4. In good general health without any underlying medical conditions or prior injury that would place the subject at risk of further injury/illness by participating in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Serious medical conditions including cardiovascular, metabolic (diabetes), rheumatologic, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal.
2. Multiple ligament ruptures or trauma
3. Rheumatoid arthritis or other significant comorbidities
4. Lower extremity vascular pathology, including history of deep vein thrombosis
5. Those with a history of sickle cell trait or disease
6. Use of anticoagulant medications
7. Pregnancy
8. Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within one month of Study Day 1
9. Current smoker or tobacco use within 3 months of Study Day 1
10. Febrile illness within 2 weeks of Study Day 1

Where this trial is running

Milford, Connecticut and 1 other locations

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 Anterior Cruciate Ligament ReconstructionAirBand
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.