Can a simple blood flow cuff boost ACL recovery?
NCT ID NCT04519801
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Brooke Army Medical Center- Clinical Research Center
San Antonio, Texas, 78234, United States