INTRODUCTION: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, returning the knee to previous levels of strength and function is challenging, with the failure to do so associated with an increased risk of reinjury and long-term degenerative problems. Blood flow restriction (BFR) is gaining popularity as a rehabilitation technique; however, its effects on the mechanics of these exercises have not been fully explored. In this study, we aimed to determine the acute effects of BFR on the performance of a step-up exercise protocol and to assess the acceptability of the technique. METHODS: Twenty individuals (12 female/8 male; mean age, 30.6 yr) who had recently undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and 20 controls (11 female/9 male, mean age 28.0 yr) performed a step-up exercise protocol with and without BFR. Lower limb kinematics and kinetics were measured and compared between groups and conditions. Testing was completed in June 2019. RESULTS: Participants in both groups had increased external rotation of the tibia of 2° (P < 0.001) and reductions in knee flexion and rotation torques around the joint of around 50% (P < 0.001) when using BFR compared with nonrestricted step-up exercise. The intervention was found to increase the difficulty of the exercise and induce moderate levels of discomfort (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study provides cautious support for the use of BFR, showing that there are minimal changes in knee joint mechanics when performing the same exercise without BFR, and that the changes do not increase joint torques at the knee. From an acute biomechanical perspective, the intervention appears safe to use under qualified supervision; however, effects of repetitive use and long-term outcomes should be monitored.
INTRODUCTION: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, returning the knee to previous levels of strength and function is challenging, with the failure to do so associated with an increased risk of reinjury and long-term degenerative problems. Blood flow restriction (BFR) is gaining popularity as a rehabilitation technique; however, its effects on the mechanics of these exercises have not been fully explored. In this study, we aimed to determine the acute effects of BFR on the performance of a step-up exercise protocol and to assess the acceptability of the technique. METHODS: Twenty individuals (12 female/8 male; mean age, 30.6 yr) who had recently undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and 20 controls (11 female/9 male, mean age 28.0 yr) performed a step-up exercise protocol with and without BFR. Lower limb kinematics and kinetics were measured and compared between groups and conditions. Testing was completed in June 2019. RESULTS: Participants in both groups had increased external rotation of the tibia of 2° (P < 0.001) and reductions in knee flexion and rotation torques around the joint of around 50% (P < 0.001) when using BFR compared with nonrestricted step-up exercise. The intervention was found to increase the difficulty of the exercise and induce moderate levels of discomfort (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study provides cautious support for the use of BFR, showing that there are minimal changes in knee joint mechanics when performing the same exercise without BFR, and that the changes do not increase joint torques at the knee. From an acute biomechanical perspective, the intervention appears safe to use under qualified supervision; however, effects of repetitive use and long-term outcomes should be monitored.
Authors: Kyu Sung Chung; Jeong Ku Ha; Cheol Hyun Yeom; Ho Jong Ra; Jin Woo Lim; Min Soo Kwon; Jin Goo Kim Journal: Am J Sports Med Date: 2015-10-12 Impact factor: 6.202
Authors: J J Irrgang; A F Anderson; A L Boland; C D Harner; M Kurosaka; P Neyret; J C Richmond; K D Shelborne Journal: Am J Sports Med Date: 2001 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 6.202
Authors: Luke Hughes; Benjamin Rosenblatt; Fares Haddad; Conor Gissane; Daniel McCarthy; Thomas Clarke; Graham Ferris; Joanna Dawes; Bruce Paton; Stephen David Patterson Journal: Sports Med Date: 2019-11 Impact factor: 11.136