Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 40

Exercise with blood flow restriction for patients with complete ACL tears

Official title: Comparison of Conservative Treatment With Blood Flow Restriction With Standard Management in Total ACL Rupture. "Randomized Clinical Trial"

Run by European University Cyprus · NCT06727344 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if exercising with blood flow restriction can help people with complete ACL tears recover better than just standard treatment alone.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorEuropean University Cyprus
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nicosia and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2025
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2025
Study endsSeptember 2025
Registry record updatedApril 3, 2025
Trial IDNCT06727344 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals with a confirmed complete ACL rupture who can adhere to the study protocol and communicate in Greek.

Probably not a fit

Patients with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or those who cannot use BFR due to skin issues or other contraindications 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 evaluates the effects of exercise combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) in patients who have suffered a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group that uses BFR during exercise or a control group that uses sham BFR, while both groups will follow a knee bracing protocol. The study aims to determine if BFR provides additional benefits over standard conservative treatment. Participants will engage in a structured exercise program over several weeks, with specific adjustments to their knee brace throughout the treatment period.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and healing for patients with ACL injuries, potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of blood flow restriction in rehabilitation is gaining interest, this specific approach in ACL injuries 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:

* MRI-confirmed complete rupture of ACL. Ability to communicate and read fluently in Greek and be willing to keep their leg immobilised for the required period based on the study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Heart disease, overweight, diabetes, pregnancy, thrombophilia, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cancer, use of drugs that may increase blood clotting, use of hormones or contraceptives, any reason for not using BFR e.g., an open wound or serious skin problems and/or allergies to the cuff material.

Where it's running

  • European University Cyprus
    Nicosia, Cyprus
    Recruiting
  • European University Cyprus
    Nicosia, Cyprus
    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.