Blood flow restriction added to usual care exercise in patients with early weight bearing restrictions after cartilage or meniscus repair in the knee joint: A feasibility study

Abstract

AbstractPurposeIn musculoskeletal rehabilitation, blood flow restriction – low load strength training (BFR-LLST) is theoretically indicated – as opposed to traditional heavy strength training – in patients who can or may not heavily load tissues healing from recent surgery. The main purpose was to examine the feasibility of BFR-LLST added to usual care exercise early after cartilage or meniscus repair in the knee joint.MethodsWe included 42 patients with cartilage (n=21) or meniscus repair (n=21) in the knee joint. They attended 9 weeks of BFR-LLST added to a usual care exercise at an outpatient rehabilitation center. Outcome measures were assessed at different time points from 4 (baseline) to 26 weeks postoperatively. They included: Adherence, harms, knee joint and thigh pain, perceived exertion, thigh circumference (muscle size proxy), isometric knee-extension strength, self-reported disability and quality of life.ResultsOn average, patients with cartilage and meniscus repair performed >84 % of the total BFR-LLST supervised sessions. Thirty-eight patients reported 146 adverse events (e.g., dizziness) - none considered serious. A decrease in thigh circumference of the operated leg was not found in both groups from baseline to the end of the intervention period with no exacerbation of knee joint or quadriceps muscle pain.ConclusionsBFR-LLST added to usual care exercise initiated early after cartilage or meniscus repair seems feasible and may prevent disuse thigh muscle atrophy during a period of weight bearing restrictions. Harms were reported, but no serious adverse events were found. Our findings are promising but need replication using RCT-design.