Actively Recruiting
Optimizing Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: The Role of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Tendon and Muscle Recovery
Led by University Hospital, Ghent · Updated on 2025-09-23
82
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating whether adding blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy to conventional rehabilitation improves recovery for adult patients who have undergone surgical repair for Achilles tendon rupture. The study aims to find out if BFR enhances functional recovery, muscle strength, and tendon healing compared to standard rehabilitation methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups starting four weeks after surgery: one group will follow a 24-week standard strength training program, and the other will follow the same program combined with BFR using an occlusion cuff during exercises targeting the quadriceps and calf muscles. The control group will perform the same exercises without the cuff. Throughout the study, participants will attend follow-up visits at weeks 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 52. Assessments will include questionnaires about pain, quality of life, fear of movement, and return to sport, as well as medical imaging like ultrasound, MRI, shear wave elastography, and power Doppler. Muscle strength testing and blood samples will also be collected, along with tendon tissue taken during surgery. The main outcome measured is the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) over six months and at one year post-operation.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Optimizing Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: The Role of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Tendon and Muscle Recovery
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients with total midrupture Achilles tendon rupture
- Surgical treatment received
- Older than 18 years
- Able to understand and speak Dutch
You will not qualify if you...
- Bilateral Achilles tendon rupture
- Previous Achilles tendon rupture
- Previous treatment with fluoroquinolones or cortisone
- Other condition in either leg limiting ability to perform exercises or evaluations
- Diabetes or rheumatic diseases
- History of deep venous thrombosis
- Severe cardiovascular disease
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 24 weeks (6 months post-operative)
Participants undergo a strength training rehabilitation program after Achilles tendon rupture repair. One group uses blood flow restriction cuffs during exercises targeting quadriceps and calf muscles, while the other group follows standard strength training without a cuff.
Multiple visits for assessments at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24
Duration - Up to week 52 (1 year post-operative)
Participants are monitored for recovery progress and tendon health after treatment completion.
Visits at week 52 for follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Ghent University
Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium, 9000
Not Yet Recruiting
2
Ghent University Hospital
Ghent, Belgium, 9000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sarah VanDen Berghe
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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