Blood Flow Restriction Training Versus Traditional Rehab in Patients With Lower Extremity Fractures: Effect on Fracture Healing, Muscle Strength and Girth, and Return to Function
Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Summary
This study will look at the effect of using a blood flow restriction device during low load strengthening exercises on patients with tibial shaft fractures, compared to patients performing exercise without the device. The study will compare muscle strength, muscle size, fracture healing, and return to normal function between the two groups.
Description
This study will examine the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) training in patients with lower extremity fractures. Patients with tibial shaft fractures will be assigned to either the BFR group or control group. The BFR group will perform exercises with a blood flow restriction device, which occludes venous blood flow in the limb, while performing strengthening exercises as directed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The control group will perform the exercises without the device, as is current standard practice in physical therapy. Blood flow restriction training has been shown to prevent s…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult with closed tibial shaft fracture * Ability to begin physical therapy treatment within 2 weeks post-operatively Exclusion Criteria: * History of osteoporosis or osteopenia * Impaired circulation in the limb * Active deep vein thrombosis * Clotting disorders or other elevated risk of embolism * Sickle cell anemia * Infection in extremity * Renal compromise * Severe uncontrolled hypertension (SBP\>180) * Lymphedema * Under age 18 * Pregnancy * Prisoner
Interventions
- DeviceBlood Flow Restriction with low load exercise
Cuff/tourniquet will be applied to proximal leg at hip crease and inflated to 60-80% of limb occlusion pressure to decrease venous blood flow in the limb while performing exercise.
- OtherTherapeutic Exercise
Exercise performed at appropriate load as guided by physical therapist
Location
- Denver Health Medical CenterDenver, Colorado