Blood Flow Restriction Therapy vs. Heavy-Load Resistance Therapy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
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Authors
Manning, Leah
Date of Issue
2024
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Objective: To review current literature comparing heavy-load traditional therapy (HLT-T) vs. blood flow restriction therapy (BFR-T) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery.
Methods: Literature gathered from PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed for comparisons between HLT-T and BFR-T on rehabilitation outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery.
Results: BFR-T compared to HLT-T showed statistically significant evidence that BFR-T reduces muscle atrophy, improves muscle strength, and reduces knee pain from two weeks to five years post-ACLR.
Discussion: Physical therapists can utilize this review to justify incorporating BFR-T into their ACL plan of care. Since BFR-T is a relatively new approach to ACL rehabilitation, more research must be done to conclude that BFR-T does improve other factors such as overall knee function, recovery time, and ability to return to sport.