Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common knee joint injuries, particularly among physically active individuals, often resulting in reduced stability, muscle strength, and functional abilities of the knee, which can prolong the rehabilitation process. Low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) is a modern approach that enables improvements in muscle mass, strength, and performance while simultaneously reducing mechanical joint stress, making it a potential promising addition to physiotherapy protocols following ACL rupture or reconstruction. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the effects of low-load blood flow restriction training on muscle performance after ACL surgery, based on a review of scientific and professional literature. Methods:. The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases using the selected keywords “blood flow restriction exercise” and “ACL reconstruction,” and inclusion criteria such as the English language, full open-access articles, availability via remote access, and a five-year time frame. Studies that met these criteria were included. Results: Five studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included in the literature review. These studies examined the effects of low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) on quadriceps strength following ACL reconstruction. Most studies demonstrated that LL-BFRT leads to a statistically significant improvement in muscle strength compared to baseline, whereas differences compared to standard training approaches were less pronounced and not always statistically significant. The greatest effects were observed with higher occlusion pressures and during the early rehabilitation period, suggesting potential benefits of incorporating LL-BFRT into post-ACL reconstruction protocols. Discussion and Conclusion: Low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) effectively maintains or improves muscle performance and knee muscle function and prevents quadriceps atrophy, particularly during periods of limited mechanical loading, making it a valuable supplement to standard rehabilitation protocols after ACL reconstruction. We conclude that LL-BFRT is a promising and effective method for accelerating recovery and improving quality of life in patients after ACL reconstruction. However, further studies with larger sample sizes, standardized protocols, and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm its long-term effects.
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