112: Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training Following ACL Reconstruction

This episode dissects a clinical study that evaluates the efficacy of low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) compared to traditional heavy-load resistance training (HLRT) during the initial recovery phase following ACL reconstruction. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial on patients with patellar tendon grafts to determine if lighter weights paired with blood flow occlusion could effectively restore muscle strength without aggravating the joint.Koc BB, Schotanus MGM, Ehlen T, Truyens A, de Bie R, Jansen EJP. Low-load blood flow restriction training as an alternative to heavy-load resistance training in early-stage rehabilitation following bone–patellar tendon–bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial. JOSPT Open. 2026;4(2):166-173. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2026.0185Follow Dr. Anthony Novello, PT, DPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anthonynovello.dpt⁠⁠