Evaluating Low-load Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Added to Usual Care for Adults with Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Treated Without Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise BFRE as an addition to usual care for patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture treated without surgery. The study aims to determine if BFRE improves recovery compared to usual care alone, and whether starting BFRE early weeks 1-12 or later weeks 13-24 after injury is more effective. This assessor-blinded, randomized trial involves adult patients treated non-surgically, with assessments at 13 and 25 weeks after starting treatment. Participants will follow a 12-week BFRE program alongside usual care. One group performs BFRE during weeks 1-12 post-injury, while the other group starts BFRE in weeks 13-24. The BFRE exercises include seated leg extension, standing knee flexion, and seated heel-rise at home for the early group, and leg press, heel-rise, and knee flexion in a machine or home-based exercises for the late group. Exercises are done three times weekly with six supervised sessions, using 80% of the limb occlusion pressure to partially restrict blood flow. Throughout the study, participants receive usual care involving ankle immobilization and gradual weight-bearing, transitioning from hospital to community care. Assessments include physical tests like the Single-Leg Heel-Raise and questionnaires such as the Achilles Total Tendon Rupture Score to measure symptoms and activity. Measurements of calf and thigh circumference, tendon elongation, and activity levels are also taken. Safety and adverse events are monitored continuously, with visits at baseline, 13 weeks, and 25 weeks. The study is led by the University of Aarhus and expects to complete in 2028.

Blood Flow Restriction Exercise in Patients With an Achilles Tendon Rupture