Strength training with blood-flow restriction after ACL reconstruction

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This is a randomized clinical trial comparing outpatient resistance training with real blood flow restriction (BFR) to resistance training with sham-BFR after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Participants follow a sports-science controlled, low-load strength program with either external venous occlusion or a sham procedure, and outcomes include muscle mass regeneration, strength, and knee functional measures. The intervention builds on prior positive results of BFR used as prehabilitation in knee arthroplasty and applies the approach to post-ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. The trial is run at the Bonn Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation within the University Hospital Bonn and enrolls patients able to attend outpatient sessions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* ACL reconstruction
* Ability to take part in an outpatient rehabilitation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Sickle Cell anemia
* iatrogenic changes in the vessels of the lower limbs (stents, bypasses)
* inflammation of the lower extremities

Where it's running

• University Hospital Bonn
  Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Alexander Franz, Dr. med., B.Sc.
• Email: alexander.franz@ukbonn.de
• Phone: +491703750718

Similar studies

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

• 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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• Exercise with blood flow restriction for patients with complete ACL tears

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

  Recruiting at 2 sites European University Cyprus · Nicosia and 1 other locations · NCT06727344

• Assessing soleus muscle strength in patients with ACL tears

  This study is testing the strength of a muscle in the calf of people with ACL tears to see how it compares to their uninjured leg and to healthy volunteers.

  Recruiting University of Liverpool · Liverpool · NCT06235736

• Optimizing graft selection for ACL reconstruction

  This study is testing which type of graft—quadriceps tendon, hamstring tendons, or patellar tendon—works best for helping young adults recover from their first ACL injury.

  Recruiting Hvidovre University Hospital · Hvidovre · NCT05342441

• Comparing quadriceps tendon and hamstring autografts for ACL reconstruction in young patients

  This study is testing whether using quadriceps tendon grafts instead of hamstring grafts for ACL surgery can lead to better recovery for young patients aged 10-18.

  Recruiting at 6 sites McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 5 other locations · NCT03896464

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.