NCT07131787 Optimizing Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: The Role of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Tendon and Muscle Recovery
| NCT ID | NCT07131787 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent |
| Condition | Achilles Tendon Rupture |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 82 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-08-20 |
| Primary Completion | 2028-05 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 82 participants in total. It began in 2025-08-20 with a primary completion date of 2028-05.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether rehabilitation with blood flow restriction (BFR) offers added value compared to conventional rehabilitation in patients undergoing surgical repair for Achilles tendon rupture. The study will include adult patients of all sexes who have undergone surgical treatment at two selected hospitals. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does BFR-enhanced rehabilitation improve functional recovery compared to conventional rehabilitation? What are the effects of BFR on muscle strength and tendon recovery? Researchers will compare blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy with conventional rehabilitation to determine whether BFR leads to improved clinical, muscular, and tendon-related outcomes. Participants will: 1. Undergo standard surgical repair of the Achilles tendon 2. Be randomly assigned to a 24-week exercise therapy program-either with or without blood flow restriction (BFR)-starting four weeks post-surgery 3. Take part in follow-up assessments at weeks 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 52, which will include: * Questionnaires on pain, quality of life, fear of movement, and return to sport * Medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, shear wave elastography, and power Doppler * Muscle strength testing * Blood sample collection, along with a tendon tissue sample taken during surgery
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients with total midrupture Achilles tendon rupture * surgical treatment * \> 18 years old * able to understand and speak Dutch Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral Achilles tendon rupture * Previous Achilles tendon rupture * Previous treatment with fluoroquinolones or cortisone * other condition in either leg that would limit the ability to perform the exercises or evaluations * Diabetes or rheumatic diseases * History of deep venous thrombosis * severe cardiovascular disease
Contact & Investigator
Arne Burssens, Professor
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University Ghent
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07131787 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Achilles Tendon Rupture. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07131787 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07131787 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at sarah.vandenberghe@ugent.be for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07131787 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Ghent, Belgium, Ghent, Belgium.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07131787 clinical trial?
NCT07131787 is sponsored by University Hospital, Ghent. The principal investigator is Arne Burssens, Professor at University Ghent. The trial plans to enroll 82 participants.