Comparative Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction With or Without Total Motion Release in ACL Rehabilitation

Summary

The aim of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of combined Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and Total Motion Release (TMR) versus BFR alone in the restoration of muscular strength, balance and knee functionality in men and women aged 16 to 45 years who have undergone primary unilateral ACL reconstruction.

The major research questions that it seeks to address are:

Does the addition of TMR to a BFR protocol lead to significantly higher improvements in absolute quadriceps strength and subjective knee functioning as measured by IKDC scores? Does the combined protocol lead to better functional balance and symmetry in terms of the Single Leg Stance (SLS) test and Limb Symmetry Index (LSI)? The researchers will compare the BFR + TMR group to the BFR-only group to determine whether the integrated approach speeds up functional recovery and alleviates neuromuscular control deficits more effectively than strength-focused training alone.

Participant TasksParticipants will: Undergo 3 sessions/week of supervised rehabilitation over a 6 month period. Complete Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training consisting of low-load exercises (mini squats and knee extensions) with an inflatable cuff placed around the proximal part of the thigh at 60-80% occlusion pressure. Should there be in the experimental group, Total Motion Release (TMR) exercises (e.g., trunk rotations and hip shifts) on the contralateral side (i.e. non-painful side) to correct movement asymmetries before the BFR training. Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months of complete subjective self-assessments (IKDC forms) and objective physical tests (dynamometer strength testing and single-leg balance tests).

Conditions

• ACL Injury
• ACL Reconstruction

Interventions

DEVICE

Blood Flow Restriction

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR): Use the exact same cuff and pressure settings as Group 1 so the comparison is fair. The Exercises: List the specific movements (e.g., Straight Leg Raises, Quad sets, or Knee Extensions). The Difference: State clearly: "This group receives standard BFR training and traditional physical therapy without any TMR protocols."

PROCEDURE

Total Motion Release

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR): Specify the cuff type (e.g., automated or manual), the width of the cuff, and the pressure used (e.g., 80% of Limb Occlusion Pressure). Total Motion Release (TMR): Explain that you are using the "TMR protocol." Mention that you treat the "good" side or the "non-painful" side to influence the injured side. The Dose: How many minutes? How many times per week? (e.g., 30-minute sessions, 3 times per week for 12 weeks). The Difference: State clearly: "This group receives the TMR balancing protocol in addition to standard BFR training."

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Green International University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-02

Primary Completion

2026-04-21

Completion

2026-05-05

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations