Preoperative Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training Does Not Improve Quadriceps Strength or Hypertrophy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Authors

• Daniel McGurren, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
• Kaycee Glattke, Mayo ClinicFollow
• Molly Klanderman, Mayo ClinicFollow
• Jedediah Lee, University of UtahFollow
• Anikar Chhabra, Mayo ClinicFollow
• Arthur De Luigi, Mayo ClinicFollow

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of a preoperative low-intensity blood flow restriction (LI-BFR) training intervention for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Design: Pilot study

Methods: Twenty-eight patients undergoing primary ACLR participated in either a LI-BFR training or sham intervention at a rate of 2 sessions per week for 2 weeks before surgery. Quadriceps strength and cross-sectional area were measured via handheld dynamometry and leg press test before and after the intervention before surgery and at 5 different time points after surgery, through 24 weeks after surgery.

Results: Adjusting for sex, time, and strength/hypertrophy at baseline, there were no differences found between treatment groups for the primary end points. Compared to 24-48 hours preoperatively, the postoperative average hypertrophy remains lower through 24 weeks, while leg strength is similar at 24 weeks as measured by handheld dynamometer and even larger at 24 weeks as measured by the leg press test.

Conclusion: A 2-week preoperative program of LI-BFR training may not be effective to improve postoperative quadriceps strength and hypertrophy after ACLR

Recommended Citation

McGurren, Daniel; Glattke, Kaycee; Klanderman, Molly; Lee, Jedediah; Chhabra, Anikar; and De Luigi, Arthur (2026) "Preoperative Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training Does Not Improve Quadriceps Strength or Hypertrophy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction," Journal for Sports Neuroscience: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 11.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/neurosports/vol2/iss1/11