The Effectiveness of Low-load Blood Flow Restriction Exercise in Patients With an Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Treated Non-surgically

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise (BFRE) in patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture treated without surgery. The study aims to determine if BFRE is an effective addition to usual care and to find the best timing for starting BFRE—either early (within 1-12 weeks after injury) or later (13-24 weeks after injury). This is a randomized, assessor-blinded trial comparing these two approaches with follow-ups at 13 and 25 weeks. Participants are assigned to one of two groups: one group receives BFRE alongside usual care during weeks 1-12 after injury and then continues usual care alone, while the other group receives usual care alone for the first 12 weeks and adds BFRE during weeks 13-24. The BFRE program involves three weekly sessions using 80% limb occlusion pressure to partially restrict blood flow, with exercises such as leg extensions, knee flexion, and heel-rise performed either at home or in training facilities, supervised six times over 12 weeks. During the study, participants are assessed at baseline, 13 weeks, and 25 weeks using tests like the Single-Leg Heel-Rise test and the Achilles Total Tendon Rupture Score to measure physical function and symptoms. Additional evaluations include muscle circumference, endurance, physical activity questionnaires, and monitoring for adverse events. Usual care involves ankle immobilization and gradual weight bearing early on, transitioning to home or facility-based exercises later. The total participation duration covers up to 25 weeks after allocation.

Blood Flow Restriction Exercise in Patients With an Achilles Tendon Rupture