Prehabilitation with low-load blood flow restricted resistance exercise training attenuates muscle inhibition of quadriceps femoris muscle in polytraumatized patientIpavec, Matej (Avtor) Kacin, Alan (Avtor) Tomc Žargi, Tina (Avtor) ischaemic trainingvoluntary muscle activationpolytraumakneemusculoskeletal injuriesBackground: Severe knee trauma and chronic cruciate ligament insufficiency are commonly accompanied by marked quadriceps femoris (QF) atrophy and weakness. High-load strengthening is often poorly tolerated by patients with compromised joint stability; therefore, low-load blood flow restriction resistance training (LL-BFRT) may serve as an effective alternative. Case presentation: A 38-year-old male presented 27 months after motorcycle-related polytrauma with right knee pain, instability, complete anterior and posterior cruciate ligament ruptures, and partial QF denervation after femoral nerve injury. Before surgery, he completed a supervised 5-week LL-BFRT prehabilitation program (13 sessions). Results: Lean thigh circumference increased by 5.9% proximally and 17.7% distally. Voluntary activation increased from 87.2% to 92.5%, and maximal QF EMG median frequency decreased by 7.4%. Knee extensor isometric and concentric (60°/s) peak torque increased by 52.4% and 36.9%, respectively. QF isometric endurance time increased from 48.5 to 61.8 s. Stair-climbing time decreased from 18.9 to 10.6 s, repetitions in the step-down test increased from 10 to 17, and the Y-balance test composite score increased from 77.7% to 99.4%. Conclusions: Substantial physiological and clinical improvements in QF voluntary activation, maximal strength, endurance, and lower limb function were observed following a short-term LL-BFRT program in a patient with multiple ligament injuries. Changes in lean thigh circumference were consistent with possible improvements in muscle size; however, muscle hypertrophy was not directly assessed.20262026-06-17 09:36:51Članek v reviji183682sl