Strength training with blood-flow restriction after ACL reconstruction
Clinical-randomized Trial of the Effect of Rehabilitation Therapy Using Strength and Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscular Fitness and Regeneration After Anterior Cruciate Ligament 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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Bonn Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07043569 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have had ACL reconstruction and are able to participate in outpatient rehabilitation without vascular implants or active lower-limb inflammation and who do not have sickle cell disease.
Not a fit: Patients with sickle cell anemia, prior iatrogenic vascular changes in the lower limbs (such as stents or bypasses), active inflammation of the lower extremities, or those unable to attend outpatient sessions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help patients regain muscle and strength faster using lower-load exercises, potentially improving recovery and knee function during rehab.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from the same group showed positive effects of BFR as prehabilitation before knee arthroplasty and BFR has produced low-load strength gains similar to high-load training in other settings, though its use specifically after ACL reconstruction is less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.