Using blood flow restriction therapy for Achilles injuries
Official title: Blood Flow Restriction Therapy in Achilles Injury
Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT04104126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether combining blood flow restriction therapy with regular physical therapy can help people recover better from Achilles injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 57 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 8, 2021 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04104126 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who have been diagnosed with an Achilles injury and intend to receive physical therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe hypertension, impaired circulation, or those outside the age range of 18 to 65 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 effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy combined with standard physical therapy on patients recovering from Achilles injuries. BFR therapy involves a brief and partial restriction of venous outflow during low-load resistance exercises, aiming to enhance strength and rehabilitation outcomes. The study is prospective and randomized, focusing on how this innovative treatment approach can improve recovery for individuals diagnosed with Achilles injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients with Achilles injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with blood flow restriction therapy in various rehabilitation contexts, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Achilles Injury * Must be at least 18 years of age and younger than 65 years of age * Intention to receive physical therapy as standard of care Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with intention to receive standard therapy and not the study therapy * Patients with impaired circulation, peripheral vascular compromise, previous revascularization of the extremity, or severe hypertension * Younger than 18 years of age or older than 65 * Legally incompetent or mentally impaired (e.g. minors, Alzheimer's subjects, dementia, etc.) * Any patient considered a vulnerable subject
Where it's running
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NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD — New York Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Larry Chen
- Email: Larry.Chen@nyulangone.org
- Phone: (317)847-1784
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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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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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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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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.