Quick Tip: Does BFR help Quad after ACL Surgery? Ask Dr. Logan.

Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction to Improve Quadriceps Function Long After ACL Reconstruction
Source: Int J Sports Med, 40(10): 2019

Clinical Question: What is the utility of BFR long after ACLR?

Bottom Line: Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis thickness and knee extensor strength in the involved leg increased by 11%, 10% and 20%, respectively (all P< .01).

Points to consider: ACLR participants were (5 +/- 2 years post-op) and performed home BFR exercises for 25-minutes, 5x/week for 4 weeks. Baseline and post-training symmetry (between involved and uninvolved legs) were compared to uninjured controls.

Takeaway: Implementation of BFR exercise can still be beneficial multiple years following ACLR.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.

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