Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Evaluating blood flow restriction training for ACL reconstruction recovery

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

Run by Zuyderland Medisch Centrum · NCT05972876 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment46 (estimated)
SponsorZuyderland Medisch Centrum
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sittard, Limburg)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 17, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 2026
Study endsSeptember 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 4, 2025
Trial IDNCT05972876 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably 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.

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

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Zuyderland Medical Center
    Sittard, Limburg, Netherlands
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.