Key result
Resistance exercises with blood flow restriction training resulted in similar changes to knee function, thigh atrophy, and knee extensor strength compared to exercises alone.
Why the study?
Clinical benefits of using blood flow restriction training following meniscal repair or chondral surgery were unknown.
Does blood flow restriction training improve knee function, thigh circumference, and knee strength in active duty military following meniscal repair or chondral restoration surgery?
RCT (n=20)
Single-blinded
randomized
No
Does blood flow restriction training improve knee function, thigh circumference, and knee strength in active duty military following meniscal repair or chondral restoration surgery?
Blood flow restriction training added to resistance exercises did not provide additional benefits for knee function, thigh atrophy, or strength post-meniscus repair/chondral restoration compared to exercises alone.
BFR adds no benefit over standard rehab for knee function post-surgery; challenges routine use in military patients and leaves optimal protocols open for larger trials.
CONTEXT: Recently, blood flow restriction (BFR) training has gained popularity as an alternative to high-load resistance training for improving muscle strength and hypertrophy. Previous BFR studies have reported positive treatment effects; however, clinical benefits to using BFR following meniscal repair or chondral surgery are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of resistance exercises with BFR training versus exercises alone on self-reported knee function, thigh circumference, and knee flexor/extensor strength postmeniscal or cartilage surgery. DESIGN: Single-blinded randomized controlled trial in an outpatient military hospital setting. Twenty participants were randomized into 2 groups: BFR group (n = 11) and control group (n = 9). METHODS: Participants completed 12 weeks of postoperative thigh strengthening. The BFR group performed each exercise with the addition of BFR. Both groups continued with the prescribed exercises without BFR from 12 weeks until discharged from therapy. Thigh circumference and self-reported knee function were measured at 1, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively along with knee extensor and flexor strength at 12 and 24 weeks. Change scores between time points were calculated for knee function. Limb symmetry indices (LSI) were computed for thigh circumference and knee strength variables. RESULTS: Seventeen participants were included in the final analyses (BFR = 8 and control = 9) due to COVID-19 restrictions. There were no interactions or main effects for group. Time main effects were established for change in knee function scores, thigh circumference LSI, and knee extensor strength LSI. However, knee flexor strength LSI had no main effect for time. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this trial suggest that resistance exercises with and without BFR training may result in similar changes to function, thigh atrophy, and knee extensor strength postmeniscus repair/chondral restoration, though further study with larger sample sizes is needed.
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Mason et al. (2021) conducted an RCT in Meniscal repair or chondral restoration surgery (n=20). Resistance exercises with blood flow restriction (BFR) training vs. Resistance exercises alone was evaluated on Self-reported knee function, thigh circumference, and knee flexor/extensor strength. Resistance exercises with blood flow restriction training resulted in similar changes to knee function, thigh atrophy, and knee extensor strength compared to exercises alone.
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