Study Summary

Thirty patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomized to receive low-load strength training with blood flow restriction (n=15) or low-load strength training without blood flow restriction (n=15). The primary outcome of interest was pain perception measured using pressure pain thresholds and visual analogue scale scores at rest and during stair climbing. Secondary outcomes of interest included muscle strength, range of motion, muscle thickness, knee effusion, and International Knee Documentation Committee scores. Outcomes were assessed at baseline four weeks postoperatively and again within one week after the four-week intervention period. Overall, the results of the study revealed no statistically significant differences between groups for primary or secondary outcomes, although both groups demonstrated significant improvements over time in pain, strength, range of motion, and knee function. These findings suggest that adding blood flow restriction to low-load training in early postoperative ACL rehabilitation may not provide additional clinical benefit compared with low-load training alone.