Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for P… (NCT07662850) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for Pain, Strength, Range of Motion, and Kinesiophobia Among ACL Reconstruction Patients.
Pakistan46 participantsStarted 2026-06-12
Plain-language summary
This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on pain, quadriceps muscle strength, knee range of motion (ROM), and kinesiophobia in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). ACLR patients commonly experience persistent muscle weakness, limited ROM, pain, and fear of movement, which can delay functional recovery and return to activity. A total of 46 participants (8-16 weeks post-ACLR) will be randomly allocated into two groups: a BFR group and an IASTM group. Both groups will receive interventions twice weekly for 8 weeks alongside standard physiotherapy. The BFR group will perform low-load resistance exercises under controlled vascular occlusion, while the IASTM group will receive soft tissue mobilization using specialized instruments combined with conventional rehabilitation. Outcome measures will include quadriceps strength (handheld dynamometer), pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), knee ROM (goniometer), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study aims to determine which intervention provides superior improvements in physical and psychological outcomes during early rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age between 18 and 40 years.
* Both genders.
* Undergoing Primary Unilateral ACLR (using autologous tendon graft).
* Medically cleared for low load rehabilitation (Wound healed, stable graft per surgeon).
* Active knee flexion of ≥100° on the operative limb.
* 8-16 weeks after reconstructive surgery.
* Willing to comply with all rehabilitation sessions and follow up assessments; give informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Significant meniscectomy requiring protected weight-bearing
* Active DVT, vascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension or other BFR contraindications
* Patients exhibiting extension lag (inability to achieve full active knee extension) on the operated limb.
* Neuromuscular disorders
* Skin lesions preventing IASTM
* Pregnancy
* Contraindications to exercise
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Quadriceps Muscle Strength
Timeframe: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention
2
Pain Intensity
Timeframe: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07662850
SponsorLahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences