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BFR Training for Post ACLR

The Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Patellar Position, Muscle Morphology, and Lower Limb Function in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07142889
Enrollment
60
Registered
2025-08-27
Start date
2025-09-01
Completion date
2026-09-01
Last updated
2025-08-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Blood Flow Restriction Training, Leg Function, Muscle Morphology, Patella Position

Brief summary

This randomized clinical trial is designed to compare three different rehabilitation methods for patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The study aims to determine whether low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRt) is more effective than high-load eccentric training (HL-Et) and a sham LL-BFRt in improving three key areas: patellar position, muscle morphology, and leg function. Study Design and Interventions Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups. All groups will perform eccentric exercises, including single leg squats, single leg deadlifts, lateral step downs, and single leg calf raises. The key differences lie in the load and the use of blood flow restriction: LL-BFRt Group: Participants will train at 30% of their repetition maximum (RM) while a cuff restricts blood flow to 70% of their artery occlusion pressure (AOP). HL-Et Group: Participants will train at a higher intensity, using 70% of their repetition maximum (RM), with no blood flow restriction. Sham LL-BFRt Group: Participants will perform the same exercises as the LL-BFRt group at 30% of their RM, but the cuff will not be inflated to a pressure that restricts blood flow. After the training period, the researchers will compare the outcomes across all three groups to see which method leads to the most significant improvements in patella position, muscle morphology, and leg function.

Interventions

PROCEDURELow load-BFRt

The participants' two legs will be subjected to 70% arterial occlusion pressure when the physical therapist applies the BFR cuffs. After that, participants will be required to complete eccentric exercises with a maximum repetition count of 30%, such as single leg squat, single leg deadlift, lateral step down, dan single leg calf raise.

The participants' two legs will be subjected to 10% arterial occlusion pressure when the physical therapist applies the BFR cuffs. After that, participants will be required to complete eccentric exercises with a maximum repetition count of 30%, such as single leg squat, single leg deadlift, lateral step down, dan single leg calf raise.

The physical therapist will instruct the participants to complete eccentric exercises at a maximum of 70% repetitions, such as single leg squat, single leg deadlift, lateral step down, dan single leg calf raise.

Sponsors

Udayana University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
15 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Ages 15-35 years old. * History of a unilateral ACL injury, underwent ACL reconstruction surgery more than 6 months ago, and completed rehabilitation with physiotherapy. * Adults participating in recreational or competitive sports at a minimum of level 3 on the Tegner Activity Scale. * No prior history of a grade 3 sprain/strain injury to other tissues in the knee and foot. * No recurring knee injuries after the ACL reconstruction surgery. * Willing to be a research subject from start to finish by signing an informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

* Hypertension, circulatory disorders, sickle cell anemia, obesity, diabetes, kidney disorders, venous thromboembolism, cancer, and tumors are contraindications for BFR application. * Experiencing a disability or being disabled.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Anterior knee pain8 weeksUsing the Kujala questionnaire will determine the subjective score of the patient's knee pain levels.
Quadriceps strength8 weeksUsing a hand-held dynamometer, researchers will determine the isometric quadriceps muscle.
Vastus medial obliques fiber angle8 weeksUsing a musculoskeletal ultrasonography, researchers will determine the vastus medial obliques fiber angle.
Patella position8 weeksUsing a musculoskeletal ultrasonography, researchers will determine the patella position.
Muscle cross-sectional area8 weeksUsing a musculoskeletal ultrasonography, researchers will determine the cross-sectional area of vastus medial obliques muscle and hamstring muscles.
Dynamic balance8 weeksUsing a modified star excursion balance test, researchers will determine the distance of three positions of legs reaching, including forward, posteromedial, and posterolateral.
Leg function8 weeksUsing KOOS questionnaires will determine the subjective score of the patient's leg function.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Incidence of anterior cruciate ligament reinjury1 yearResearchers will determine the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament reinjury with the physical examination of Lachman's test.

Countries

Indonesia

Contacts

Primary ContactI Putu Gde Surya Adhitya
surya_adhitya@unud.ac.id+6288975003567

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026