Study Summary

Thirty-eight patients undergoing rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery were randomized to receive 8 weeks of eccentric or concentric quadriceps exercise training, with or without blood flow restriction during exercise, after the completion of a standardized 10 week post-operative protocol. The primary outcome of interest was the change from baseline in isometric and isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength. Secondary outcomes of interest included the change in rectus femoris muscle volume and central activation ratio. Outcomes were assessed after completion of the exercise program, and again upon patient return to activity. Results revealed no significant differences between all four groups in the change from baseline in all outcomes, at all time-points. Similarly, when analyzing those who received blood flow restriction compared to those who did not receive blood flow restriction, no significant differences in all outcomes were observed.