Overview
The purpose of this study is to determine if blood flow restriction therapy after Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction decreases post-operative calf atrophy, improves reported outcomes, and ultimately decreases return to play time.
Description
The purpose of this research study is to determine if the use of Blood Flow Restriction, BFR, therapy in addition to standard physical therapy (PT) for post-Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction will decrease post-operative muscle atrophy (loss of muscle), increases dorsal and planar ankle flexion (range of motion), increase strength, and ultimately decrease return to play time for the BFR therapy group as compared to the control group.
Participants in this study will be randomly divided into either BFR group that will receive BFR therapy in addition to standard physical therapy protocol post-operatively or the control group which will undergo the standard PT protocol. All participants will complete full body composition scans (DEXA) and questionnaires before surgery, prior to physical therapy (three weeks post-op), eight weeks post-op, and 16 weeks post-op. Subjective and objective measures will be taken at physical therapy eight weeks and 16 weeks post-operatively.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Achilles Rupture confirmed by MRI or Thompson Test
- Adult
- Receiving Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS) or open repair
- Proposed PT with Methodist Location
Exclusion Criteria:
- Obesity (BMI>35)
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular, renal, liver or pulmonary disease
- Active infections
- Cancer (current or treated within the past 2 years) or coagulation disorder
- Physically unable to participate in the intervention
- Unable to complete a minimum of 85% of the assigned rehabilitation sessions
- Less than 18 years of age
- Pregnant