Using blood flow restriction training to help adolescents recover after ACL surgery
The Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Adolescents After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if combining blood flow restriction training with regular rehab helps teenagers recover better and faster after ACL surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Connecticut Children's Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Farmington, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT05754632 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) combined with standard rehabilitation for adolescents recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 40 participants aged 12 to 18 will be randomly assigned to either a BFRT-enhanced exercise group or a control group following standard rehabilitation protocols. The study aims to measure improvements in strength, muscle growth, and patient-reported outcomes following surgery. The primary outcomes include knee strength and symmetry, while secondary outcomes focus on muscle hypertrophy and overall recovery satisfaction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 18 who are active in sports and undergoing primary ACL reconstruction.
Not a fit: Patients with additional lower extremity injuries or previous knee surgeries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery outcomes and improve strength and function in adolescents after ACL reconstruction.
How similar studies have performed: While BFRT has shown promise in adult populations, this specific application in adolescents is novel and has limited prior research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Prior to surgery participated in \>50 hours/year of level I or II sports as defined by Noyes et al and planned to return to prior level. Level I Sports (4-7 days/week) Jumping, hard pivoting, cutting (basketball, volleyball,football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing. wrestling) * Level II sports (1-3 days/week) Jumping, hard pivoting, cutting (basketball, volleyball,football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing. wrestling) * Completion of postoperative rehabilitation following standard protocols * Orthopedic surgical intervention and physical therapy completed at Connecticut Children's. Exclusion Criteria: * An additional lower extremity injury at time of knee injury or previous surgical intervention on the knee (ipsilateral and contralateral) * Multiple ligament ruptures or trauma * Weight bearing restrictions for greater than 4 weeks after surgery due to concomitant pathology such as meniscal root/radial repair, chondral pathology, or multi-ligament pathology * Follow-up surgical procedures including, but not limited to, post-operative arthrofibrosis Inability to attend regular physical therapy sessions (≥80% of patient treatment sessions and all assessment visits * Contraindications to performing BFRT including known history of central or peripheral neurologic impairments, cardiac or metabolic condition or history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Where this trial is running
Farmington, Connecticut
- Connecticut Children's Sports Physical Therapy — Farmington, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adam Weaver, PT, DPT — Physical Therapist
- Study coordinator: Adam P Weaver, PT, DPT
- Email: aweaver@connecticutchildrens.org
- Phone: 8602840296
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.