Can a simple blood flow cuff boost ACL recovery?

NCT ID NCT04519801

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Brooke Army Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested whether adding blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy to standard physical rehabilitation helps people recover better after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee surgery. Sixty active-duty military members and their families, aged 15 to 45, were randomly assigned to either standard rehab alone or standard rehab plus BFR therapy. The goal was to see if BFR therapy could improve muscle size and strength in the thigh over the course of a year.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could lead to a faster, stronger recovery of leg muscle size and strength after ACL knee surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants. The therapy may not provide significant benefits over standard rehab alone, and results may not apply to all patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACL INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brooke Army Medical Center- Clinical Research Center

San Antonio, Texas, 78234, United States

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