Blood flow restriction training improved functional outcomes and muscle strength compared to general rehabilitation exercise following ACL reconstruction, with no difference in joint mobility or pain.
Meta-Analysis
Does blood flow restriction training improve muscle strength and functional outcomes compared to general rehabilitation exercise in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?
Blood flow restriction training provides superior functional improvement and muscle strength compared to general rehabilitation exercise following ACL reconstruction.
PURPOSE: Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has been found to reduce quadriceps atrophy and weakness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. However, the clinical benefit of BFRT as compared to general rehabilitation exercise (GRE) alone remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effects of BFRT and GRE on ACL reconstruction rehabilitation through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Elsevier and Biosis were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing BFRT and GRE following ACL reconstruction. Primary outcomes included muscle strength (extensor and flexor muscle general strength), Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, extensor muscle torque (peak torque and average torque) and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). The secondary outcomes included a range of motion (ROM), pain, Y-balance and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). RESULTS: = 87%) of the BFRT group were superior to that of the GRE group at the time of last follow-up. However, no significant difference was found between the BFRT and the GRE groups regarding the change in muscle CSA, ROM, extensor muscle torque, pain score, Y-balance and PROMIS. CONCLUSION: BFRT seems to perform better than GRE in terms of functional improvement and muscle strength following ACL reconstruction, but there seems to be no significant difference between them in terms of joint mobility, pain relief, stability improvement and patient's perception of their disease and treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.
Zhou et al. (Wed,) conducted a meta-analysis in Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) vs. General rehabilitation exercise (GRE) was evaluated on Muscle strength, Lysholm score, IKDC score, extensor muscle torque, and muscle cross-sectional area. Blood flow restriction training improved functional outcomes and muscle strength compared to general rehabilitation exercise following ACL reconstruction, with no difference in joint mobility or pain.