Key result
Intermittent blood flow restriction during the first 14 days after ACL reconstruction did not significantly reduce quadriceps muscle atrophy compared to exercises alone (13.8% vs 13.1% reduction, p=0.6265).
Why the study?
Does intermittent blood flow restriction reduce quadriceps atrophy in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?
Population
24 athletes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Comparison
Occlusion stimulus for 5 min, followed by… vs Same exercise protocol without the occlusion…
Design
RCT, Randomized into two groups
Follow-up
16 days after surgery
Authors
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Intermittent blood flow restriction does not reduce quadriceps atrophy after ACL reconstruction; challenges prior positive findings and does not support routine early use.
RCT (n=24)
Single-blind
Randomized into two groups
Does intermittent blood flow restriction reduce quadriceps atrophy in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?
Absolute Event Rate: -13.8% vs -13.1%
p-value: p=0.6265
Intermittent blood flow restriction combined with low-load exercise during the first 14 days after ACL reconstruction does not reduce quadriceps muscle atrophy compared to exercise alone.
Iversen et al. (2015) conducted an RCT in Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (n=24). Intermittent blood flow restriction and exercises vs. Exercises only (without occlusion stimulus) was evaluated on Change in quadriceps anatomical cross section area (ACSA) measured using axial magnetic resonance (MR) images at 40% and 50% of the length of the femur (p=0.6265). Intermittent blood flow restriction during the first 14 days after ACL reconstruction did not significantly reduce quadriceps muscle atrophy compared to exercises alone (13.8% vs 13.1% reduction, p=0.6265).
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