Using blood flow restriction training to help adolescents recover after ACL surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.