Using blood flow restriction to improve recovery after ACL surgery
Combined Effect Of Blood Flow Restriction Technique And Conventional Physical Therapy Program After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
This study is testing if using a special technique to restrict blood flow during rehab can help young people recover better and faster after ACL surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Giza) |
| Trial ID | NCT06437470 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the impact of blood flow restriction (BFR) technique on rehabilitation outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Participants aged 18-35 who have undergone ACLR will engage in a conventional physical therapy program supplemented with BFR to assess improvements in knee function, muscle strength, and overall recovery. The study aims to determine if BFR can enhance muscle activation and minimize atrophy during the early post-operative phase. The intervention involves applying a controlled level of pressure to restrict blood flow to the muscles during rehabilitation exercises.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-35 who have recently undergone ACL reconstruction using a semitendinosus autograft.
Not a fit: Patients with certain exclusions such as those with cardiovascular diseases, infections, or those who had ACLR using a bone tendon bone graft may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery times and better functional outcomes for patients after ACL surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of blood flow restriction in rehabilitation is gaining attention, this specific application in ACLR recovery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged from 18-35 years. 2. Underwent an ACLR semitendinosus autograft one-week post-operative 3. Willingness to participate in the intervention and subsequent assessment. 4. BMI from 18.5 to 29.9 kg/m2. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Insecure graft fixation (due to bone quality, suspension). 2. Active infection. 3. Postsurgical excess knee swelling that may limit exercise performance. 4. ACLR using bone tendon bone (BTB) graft. 5. Any cardiovascular disease such as hypertension. 6. Any lower limb trauma. 7. Hip and ankle pathology. 8. BMI more than 30 kg/m2
Where this trial is running
Cairo, Giza
- Faculty of physical therapy - Cairo University — Cairo, Giza, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mostafa A Abed, asst. lec.
- Email: dr.mostafaabed@cu.edu.eg
- Phone: 002-01062051106
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.