Using blood flow restriction therapy after Achilles tendon surgery
Official title: Effect of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Rupture Reconstruction
Run by The Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NCT06254794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if adding blood flow restriction therapy to regular physical therapy helps people recover better after Achilles tendon surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 19 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Methodist Hospital Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 13, 2018 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06254794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with a confirmed Achilles tendon rupture who are undergoing surgical repair.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with obesity, diabetes, or other significant health issues 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 study investigates the effectiveness of blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy combined with standard physical therapy for patients recovering from Achilles tendon rupture surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BFR therapy group or a control group receiving only standard physical therapy. The study aims to assess outcomes such as muscle atrophy, range of motion, strength, and the time taken to return to physical activity. Measurements will be taken at various intervals post-surgery to evaluate the impact of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster recovery times and improved physical outcomes for patients recovering from Achilles tendon surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with blood flow restriction therapy in various rehabilitation contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Achilles Rupture confirmed by MRI or Thompson Test * Adult * Receiving Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS) or open repair * Proposed PT with Methodist Location Exclusion Criteria: * Obesity (BMI\>35) * Diabetes * Cardiovascular, renal, liver or pulmonary disease * Active infections * Cancer (current or treated within the past 2 years) or coagulation disorder * Physically unable to participate in the intervention * Unable to complete a minimum of 85% of the assigned rehabilitation sessions * Less than 18 years of age * Pregnant
Where it's running
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Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Haley Goble
- Email: hmgoble@houstonmethodist.org
- Phone: 713.441.3930
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Immediate neuromuscular electrical stimulation for Achilles tendon pain and function
Researchers will try two types of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to see if they immediately reduce pain and improve heel-rise performance in people with Achilles tendinopathy or a past Achilles tendon rupture.
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Achilles Tendon Rupture: 12-Month Outcomes After Non-Surgical Rehab
This study tests how well people recover 12–15 months after non-surgical treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture using a structured rehab protocol in an NHS setting.
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Blood flow restriction training to improve recovery after Achilles tendon repair
This trial will test whether adding blood flow restriction training to standard rehabilitation helps adults recover muscle strength and tendon function after surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture.
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Collagen scaffold augmentation to support Achilles tendon repair
This trial will test whether adding a collagen scaffold during surgical repair helps adults with acute Achilles tendon ruptures recover better than standard repair.
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Strength training effects on recovery after Achilles tendon rupture
This study is testing how different levels of strength training can help men recover better after an Achilles tendon rupture.
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New surgical method for repairing ruptured Achilles tendon
This study is testing a new two-layer surgery for fixing a ruptured Achilles tendon to see if it helps people recover better than the usual non-surgical treatment.
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.