Stephanie R. Sheley1, Todd Ward2, Blake C Clifton3, Christina A. Buchanan1. Personalized Blood Flow Restriction: a Pilot Study for Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation. 1High Altitude Exercise Physiology Program, Western State Colorado University, Gunnison, CO, USA.2Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Program, Gunnison Valley Health, Gunnison, CO, USA.3gO Orthopedics, Gunnison, CO, USA.
Abstract
Introduction: This study examined the effects of personalized blood flow restriction (PBFR) on quadriceps girth following a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: 6 individuals participated (CON: n=3, R: n=3). PBFR paired with light intensity resistance training (LIRT) was administered 4 weeks postoperative for 9-weeks, 2 times per week. Girth measurements at 10cm and 15cm above the knee joint were taken 1, 4, and 12 weeks postoperative for CON and R-groups. The control group participated in traditional physical therapy modalities that did not include BFR. Results: The study found that PBFR training is 87.5% likely beneficial at increasing quadriceps girth at 10cm above the knee joint, and 92.8% likely beneficial at increasing quadriceps girth at 15cm above the knee joint. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that PBFR+LIRT can be an effective modality for increasing quadriceps girth, when used in conjunction with a rehabilitation program following a TKA.