Home › NCT03096366

Does Blood Flow Restriction Training Improve Quadriceps Function After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

Does Blood Flow Restriction Training Improve Quadriceps Function After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery? A Randomized Clinical Trial

Who can join

Ages 14 to 55 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with concomitant meniscus or cartilage restoration procedures
* Adherence to modified weight bearing status before initiation of PT
* Expected participation in recreational or competitive sports after release to full activities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to attend (or participate in) physical therapy
* Pregnancy
* Malignancy
* Fracture
* Peripheral vascular disease
* History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

About the study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy (PT) plus BFR training compared to PT alone (without BFR training) after ACL reconstruction in patients who require extended limited weight bearing through assessment of patient reported outcomes and functional testing. The hypothesis is that PT plus BFR training will mitigate the loss of quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area, strength, and function while also improving early clinical and functional results.

What is being tested

• Blood flow restriction (device)
• Physical therapy (other)

Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Participants: 150 · Started: Nov 21, 2017

Contact the study team

• Walter R Lowe, MD · Phone: 713-486-6844

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT03096366

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.