TY - JOUR
T1 - Feasibility of blood flow restriction exercise in adults with a non-surgically treated achilles tendon rupture
T2 - a case series
AU - Bentzen, Andreas
AU - Jørgensen, Stian Langgård
AU - Birch, Sara
AU - Mortensen, Louise
AU - Toft, Marianne
AU - Lindvig, Michael Godsvig
AU - Gundtoft, Per Hviid
AU - Mechlenburg, Inger
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) appears to provide a unique opportunity to preserve lower limb muscle and function in patients with an Achilles tendon rupture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of BFRE in patients with an Achilles tendon rupture. Additionally, to evaluate muscle volume and patient-reported ankle function, symptoms, complications, and physical activity following 12 weeks of BFRE. Feasibility was measured by adherence to training sessions, drop-out rate, intervention acceptability, ankle pain exacerbation (NRS), and adverse events. At baseline and 12-weeks follow-up, patients completed the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score questionnaire and had their thigh and calf circumference measured. At follow-up, patients’ ability to perform a single-leg heel rise was tested. Sixteen of 18 patients completed the intervention and for those, adherence to training sessions was 88% ±16%. The mean NRS following BFRE sessions was 1.1 (95%CI: 1; 1.2). Three adverse events occurred during the 12 weeks. Two re-ruptures after completion of the BFRE program and one deep venous thrombosis following cast removal. BFRE was found to be feasible in a subset of patients with an Achilles tendon rupture. However, with three adverse events in a population of 18 patients, the effectiveness and safety of BFRE warrants further investigation.
AB - Blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) appears to provide a unique opportunity to preserve lower limb muscle and function in patients with an Achilles tendon rupture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of BFRE in patients with an Achilles tendon rupture. Additionally, to evaluate muscle volume and patient-reported ankle function, symptoms, complications, and physical activity following 12 weeks of BFRE. Feasibility was measured by adherence to training sessions, drop-out rate, intervention acceptability, ankle pain exacerbation (NRS), and adverse events. At baseline and 12-weeks follow-up, patients completed the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score questionnaire and had their thigh and calf circumference measured. At follow-up, patients’ ability to perform a single-leg heel rise was tested. Sixteen of 18 patients completed the intervention and for those, adherence to training sessions was 88% ±16%. The mean NRS following BFRE sessions was 1.1 (95%CI: 1; 1.2). Three adverse events occurred during the 12 weeks. Two re-ruptures after completion of the BFRE program and one deep venous thrombosis following cast removal. BFRE was found to be feasible in a subset of patients with an Achilles tendon rupture. However, with three adverse events in a population of 18 patients, the effectiveness and safety of BFRE warrants further investigation.
KW - Achilles tendon rupture
KW - Blood flow restriction exercise
KW - Case series
KW - Non-surgical treatment
KW - Rehabilitation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85187134734&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 38665686
AN - SCOPUS:85187134734
SN - 1939-795X
VL - 17
SP - 140
EP - 153
JO - International Journal of Exercise Science
JF - International Journal of Exercise Science
IS - 3
ER -