Blood Flow Restriction Training After Meniscus Surgery

Investigation of the Effects of Combined Low-intensity Resistance Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction on Muscle Strength, Pain, and Fear of Movement in Post-operative Meniscus Rehabilitation

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of combined low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR-LIRE) on muscle strength, pain, and fear of movement in individuals who had undergone post-operative meniscus surgery.

A total of 36 individuals who reported knee pain of 4 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) following surgery voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The first group underwent traditional physical therapy exercises and physical therapy modalities for the operated lower extremity for 60 minutes a day, three days a week, for eight weeks. The second group received the same traditional physical therapy modalities and exercises for 60 minutes a day, three days a week, for eight weeks, with an additional 15-minute BFR-LIRE session aimed at increasing the strength of the operated lower extremity and managing pain.

Keywords: Pain, Knee Pain, Meniscus, Physiotherapy, Blood Flow Restriction, Exercise

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having undergone meniscus repair surgery within the last 6 months
• Being between 20 and 50 years of age
• Being unable to perform high-intensity training
• Having a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 4 or higher

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of hypertension
• Having a history of heart failure or myocardial infarction
• Having a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Having Peripheral Artery Disease, varicose veins, or bleeding disorders
• Use of anticoagulants
• Presence or history of peripheral nerve disorders or neuropathy
• History of Diabetes Mellitus
• Having skin sensitivity
• Pregnancy