Evaluating blood flow restriction training for ACL reconstruction recovery

MRI-based Graft Maturity After Blood Flow Restriction Training in Bone-patellar Tendon-bone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Zuyderland Medisch Centrum · NCT05972876

This study is testing whether a new kind of light exercise with blood flow restriction can help people recover better after ACL surgery compared to traditional heavy lifting.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorZuyderland Medisch Centrum Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sittard, Limburg)
Trial IDNCT05972876 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) on the maturity of grafts used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction compared to traditional heavy-load resistance training (HLRT). The study aims to assess various outcomes, including graft maturity as measured by MRI, donor-site morbidity, range of motion, knee stability, muscle strength, and overall patient satisfaction. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the LL-BFRT or HLRT group to determine the most effective rehabilitation approach. The trial is conducted at Zuyderland Medical Center, focusing on patients undergoing primary bone-patellar tendon-bone reconstruction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 18-64 who are scheduled for primary bone-patellar tendon-bone reconstruction.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as venous thromboembolism, sickle cell anemia, or those contraindicated for accelerated rehabilitation or MRI scans may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation protocols that enhance graft maturity and overall recovery for ACL reconstruction patients.

How similar studies have performed: While LL-BFRT is gaining popularity, this specific comparison with HLRT in ACL reconstruction is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients (18-64 years) who will undergo primary BPTB reconstruction at Zuyderland Medical Center and rehabilitation at Knie-Heup centrum Plus.

Exclusion Criteria:

* venous thromboembolism, sickle cell anemia, severe hypertension, contra-indication for accelerated rehabilitation, contra-indication for MRI scan or not willing/able to participate.

Where this trial is running

Sittard, Limburg

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 ReconstructionBone-Patellar Tendon-Bone GraftingBlood Flow Restriction Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.