Hockey Slideboard and Blood Flow Restriction Training for Rehabilitation After ACL Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Anterior cruciate ligament ACL injuries are a significant health and economic concern, with incidence rising due to increased sports participation. After ACL surgical reconstruction, patients face muscle weakness, atrophy, and knee pain during recovery. This trial investigates the addition of blood flow restriction BFR training combined with hockey slideboard exercises in rehabilitation to improve muscle function safely after ACL surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one group performs a reathletization program using the hockey slideboard combined with BFR training, while the other group completes the same reathletization program with the hockey slideboard alone. BFR training restricts blood flow to muscles during low-load exercises, potentially promoting muscle growth without high mechanical loads, which are risky early after surgery. The intervention lasts four weeks. During the study, researchers measure muscle strength using maximal voluntary isometric contraction tests for adductor and abductor muscles before and after the intervention. Additional tests include the Y-balance test and various hop tests to assess functional recovery. The primary outcome is the maximal strength of adductor muscles. Participants are monitored throughout the four-week training period to evaluate muscle strength improvements and functional performance.

Effect of the Hockey Slideboard Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in the Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgical Reconstruction (ACL-R)