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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | European University Cyprus Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Nicosia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 2025 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06727344 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
- Study coordinator: Alexis N Pitsillides, PhD candidate
- Email: alexpitsillides@gmail.com
- Phone: 0035799418065
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Ways to Boost Quadriceps Power After ACL Surgery
This study tests whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation or hamstring vibration can help people 2–4 months after ACL reconstruction increase their quadriceps strength.
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Strength training with blood-flow restriction after ACL reconstruction
This trial will test whether adding blood flow restriction to light strength training helps people recovering from ACL reconstruction regain muscle, strength, and knee function during outpatient rehabilitation.
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ACL reconstruction with the over-the-top technique plus lateral extra-articular tenodesis in older versus younger patients
This project tests whether ACL reconstruction using the over-the-top technique combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis gives similar outcomes and complication rates in people over 50 compared with people under 30.
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Conventional rehabilitation with or without digital therapy to restore quadriceps activation after ACL reconstruction
This trial tests whether adding a smartphone-based digital therapy to standard physiotherapy helps adults recovering from ACL reconstruction overcome quadriceps muscle inhibition.
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Microbial Profile of the Knee Joint During ACL Surgery
This study tests whether advanced DNA sequencing can detect hidden knee infections or microbiome changes in people undergoing ACL reconstruction or ACL revision surgery.
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Long-term results of ACL revision surgery using Achilles tendon allograft
This study tests how well revision ACL surgery using an Achilles tendon graft works for patients two years after their surgery and what factors might affect their recovery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.