The efficacy of blood flow restriction training to improve quadriceps muscle function after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Review written by Dr Nicholas Rolnick info

Key Points

  1. Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) was no more effective than standard rehabilitation for restoring quadriceps muscle function post-ACL reconstruction.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is a growing rehabilitation tool, especially for early post-surgical recovery (1). It has shown potential in improving muscle strength under low-load conditions, especially when high mechanical loading is not tolerated (2). While BFRT has shown promise in healthy individuals, clinical trials investigating its utility post-ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are sparse and inconclusive.

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of BFRT, delivered pre- and post-operatively, on quadriceps muscle strength, morphology, physiology, and biomechanics in individuals recovering from ACLR.

Blood Flow Restriction Training is a growing rehabilitation tool, especially for early post-surgical recovery.
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Blood flow restriction training may serve as a valuable substitute for patients unable to tolerate heavy loads, but for those who can, conventional high-load training may be more tolerable, efficient, and equally effective in clinical outcomes.

METHODS

  • Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
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