The Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Adolescents After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NCT ID: NCT05754632

Last Updated: 2026-01-07

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

40 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-06-08

Study Completion Date

2029-05-01

Brief Summary

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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?

Detailed Description

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A single randomized control trial will compare the use of exercises augmented with BFRT with quantitative measurements of strength and patient-reported outcomes. A total of 40 youth and adolescent patients undergoing a surgical procedure for ACLR and subsequent physical therapy at our institution will be recruited for this study. Patients will be randomized into one of two groups using computer randomization for allocation: the intervention group receiving BFRT as part of physical therapy, and the control group will follow the institution's standard ACLR rehabilitation protocol. Both groups will follow a time- and criterion-based standardized rehabilitation protocol. The primary outcomes will be isometric and isokinetic knee peak torque and limb symmetry indices. Secondary outcomes will be quadriceps hypertrophy via mid-thigh circumference and patient-reported outcomes.

Target Population Adolescent patients between the ages of 12 and 18 will be recruited at the time of surgery, specifically, those that participate in sports who are undergoing primary ACLR reconstruction at Connecticut Children's

Study Group and Control Group 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) Running, twisting, turning (racquet sports, baseball, hockey) Level II sports (1-3 days/week) Jumping, hard pivoting, cutting (basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing. wrestling) Running, twisting, turning (racquet sports, baseball, hockey)

* Completion of postoperative rehabilitation following standard protocols
* Orthopedic surgical intervention and physical therapy completed at Connecticut Children's.

Conditions

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Knee Injuries Quadriceps Muscle Atrophy

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

A single randomized control trial will compare the use of exercises augmented with BFRT with quantitative measurements of strength and patient-reported outcomes. A total of 40 youth and adolescent patients undergoing a surgical procedure for ACLR and subsequent physical therapy at our institution will be recruited for this study.

Patients will be randomized into one of two groups using computer randomization for allocation: the intervention group receiving BFRT as part of physical therapy, and the control group will follow the institution's standard ACLR rehabilitation protocol. Both groups will follow a time- and criterion-based standardized rehabilitation protocol. The primary outcomes will be isometric and isokinetic knee peak torque and limb symmetry indices. Secondary outcomes will be quadriceps hypertrophy via mid-thigh circumference and patient-reported outcomes.
Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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BFR Intervention Group

In addition to the standard ACL rehabilitation protocol, the experimental group will complete 2 exercises using the Delfi BFR cuff 2x/week for 8 weeks during their treatment session at Connecticut Children's Sports Physical Therapy on the second post-operative visit. Cuff size will be determined by patient thigh circumference Limb occlusion pressure will be determined in supine position and all exercises will be completed at 80% occlusion.

Long Arc Quadriceps (LAQ) progression Shuttle progression Post-op visit 2- 2 weeks Quadriceps Set Standing Straight Leg Raise 2 weeks-4 weeks Available range LAQ Standing terminal knee extension 4 weeks-8 weeks LAQ (0-90°) Single Limb Shuttle/Leg Press

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Blood Flow Restriction using Delfi Personalized Tourniquet System

Intervention Type DEVICE

The Delfi Tourniquet System is designed to be used in conjunction with exercise. The system automatically determines the degree of occlusion and allows for safe regulation of pressure. Patients will then complete exercises with the use of this device.

No Intervention/Control Group

In addition to the standard ACL rehabilitation protocol, the control group will complete the same exercises as the experimental group starting on the second post-operative visit.

Long Arc Quadriceps (LAQ) progression Shuttle progression Post-op visit 2- 2 weeks Quadriceps Set Standing Straight Leg Raise 2 weeks-4 weeks Available range LAQ Standing terminal knee extension 4 weeks-8 weeks LAQ (0-90°) Single Limb Shuttle/Leg Press

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Blood Flow Restriction using Delfi Personalized Tourniquet System

The Delfi Tourniquet System is designed to be used in conjunction with exercise. The system automatically determines the degree of occlusion and allows for safe regulation of pressure. Patients will then complete exercises with the use of this device.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Other Intervention Names

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FDA Establishment Registration Number 9681444. Device Listing Number E127474. Classification Number 878.5910. Product Code KCY. 510(k) Exempt. MID: XCDELMED1099VAN

Eligibility Criteria

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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 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
* Contraindications to performing BFRT including known history of central or peripheral neurologic impairments, cardiac or metabolic condition or history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Minimum Eligible Age

12 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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University of Connecticut

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Connecticut Children's Medical Center

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Adam Weaver, PT, DPT

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Physical Therapist

Locations

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Connecticut Children's Sports Physical Therapy

Farmington, Connecticut, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Adam P Weaver, PT, DPT

Role: CONTACT

8602840296 ext. 79296

Arthur Fredericks, MSPT

Role: CONTACT

8602840296 ext. 79296

Facility Contacts

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Adam P Weaver, PT, DPT

Role: primary

860-284-0246 ext. 79296

Provided Documents

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Document Type: Study Protocol

View Document

Other Identifiers

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22-139

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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