While there are a number studies that have reported on the use of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) in the adult population, there is limited information about the use of BFRT in the adolescent population. This study aims to evaluate the use of BFRT in conjunction with traditional anterior ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation in adolescents.
The purpose of this study is to compare the addition of a BFRT based exercise protocol to a standard ACL rehabilitation protocol in adolescents. Does the addition of BFRT-based exercise improve strength, hypertrophy, and patient reported outcomes after ACLR in the adolescent population?
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 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.
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
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Lead sponsor
University of Connecticut
Collaborator