The Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Adolescents After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
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?
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 I Sports (4-7 days/week) Jumping, hard pivoting, cutting (basketball, volleyball,football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing. wrestling) * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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 surgi