Can a simple cuff boost recovery after achilles surgery?

NCT ID NCT07131787

Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Ghent Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding blood flow restriction (BFR) training to standard rehab improves recovery after Achilles tendon repair. 82 adults who had surgery will be randomly assigned to 24 weeks of exercise with or without a BFR cuff. Researchers will track muscle strength, tendon healing, and patient-reported outcomes for a full 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 training (using a cuff device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a better way to regain strength and function after Achilles tendon repair, potentially speeding up recovery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 82 participants. The added benefit of blood flow restriction over standard rehab may be small or none, and the cuff may cause discomfort or rare complications.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 82 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Aug 2025

Expected to finish

Nov 2028

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * patients with total midrupture Achilles tendon rupture * surgical treatment * \> 18 years old * able to understand and speak Dutch Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral Achilles tendon rupture * Previous Achilles tendon rupture * Previous treatment with fluoroquinolones or cortisone * other condition in either leg that would limit the ability to perform the exercises or evaluations * Diabetes or rheumatic diseases * History of deep venous thrombosis * severe cardiovascular disease

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Achilles tendon rupture Blood flow restriction therapy

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.

Can a simple cuff boost recovery after achilles surgery?

What the study statuses mean