Low-load resistance muscular training with moderate restriction of blood flow after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Acta Orthop Scand. 2003 Feb;74(1):62-8. doi: 10.1080/00016470310013680.

Abstract

We performed a prospective study to determine the effects of introducing low-load muscular training with moderate restriction of blood flow during the first 16 weeks after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. 44 subjects (average age 29 (18-52) years) were randomized into a group that trained restriction of blood flow (group R, n = 22) and a group that trained without restriction (group N, n = 22). Both groups followed the same training schedule. Evaluations of knee extensor and flexor torques before surgery and 16 weeks after it showed a significant increase in muscular strength in group R as compared to group N. The preoperative/16-week postoperative ratio of the cross-sectional area of the knee extensor muscles showed a statistically significant enlargement in group R as compared to group N. 16 weeks after surgery, the short diameters of type 1 and type 2 fibers of M. vastus lateralis tended to be larger in group R (n = 8) than in group N (n = 8), although the differences were not significant. These findings show that low-load resistance muscular training during moderate restriction of blood flow is an effective exercise for early muscular training after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries*
  • Atrophy
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / pathology
  • Knee Injuries / physiopathology
  • Knee Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Knee Injuries / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regional Blood Flow