Browsing by Author "Scott, Wayne"

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    BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING FOR PERSISTENT KNEE EXTENSOR WEAKNESS
    (2023-04-20) Scott, Wayne; Michaud-Gardner, Alyssa; Sylvia, Jack; Topiwala, Dave
    This case study presents the effects of 8 weeks of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) for persistent knee extensor weakness following a long standing repaired ACL injury. A 20 year old female with no history of knee injury prior to the initial ACL tear in 2020 received a patellar bone graft 6 months later. The patient received traditional physical therapy for 6 weeks, which was inconsistent due to COVID-19 interruptions. The participant presented with an antalgic gait and difficulty performing stairs as a result of persistent knee extensor muscle weakness. The participant's knee extensor strength was tested using a Biodex force dynamometer. Initial testing demonstrated that the involved side knee extensors could only produce 68.7% of the muscle torque of the uninvolved side knee extensors. The participant underwent BFRT at a frequency of 2 sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks. The participant performed unilateral knee extensions, step ups, and leg presses for sets of 30, 15, 15 and 15 reps. Blood flow was restricted with a tourniquet inflated to 80% of the pressure which caused full arterial blood flow occlusion for the duration of each exercise with 2 minutes of cuff deflation between exercises. Following 8 weeks of training, the participant’s knee extensors on the involved side were able to produce 82.9% of the muscle torque of the uninvolved side knee extensors. In this case, BFRT demonstrated the ability to improve persistent knee extensor weakness following ACL repair. This improvement in strength was maintained at 3 and 6 month follow up testing. Significantly, the patient’s antalgic gait and difficulty performing stairs resolved during the 8 weeks of training.
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    CAN BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING REVERSE LONG-STANDING QUADRICEPS WEAKNESS?
    (2024-04-18) Gregoire, Jacob; Hammill, Elizabeth; Lemay, Amber; Olsen, Madison; Sargent, Hannah; Scott, Wayne
    Background: Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) involves the application of a tourniquet device during resistance exercises, offering a method for muscle strengthening with low-load training, which reduces stress on joints and tissues. BFRT is commonly employed in rehabilitating injuries of the knee including ligament injuries and damage to the menisci. Previous studies suggest that BFRT induces hypertrophy through a combined response to metabolic stress and mechanical tension. Purpose: This study investigated if BFRT could address long-standing quadriceps weakness following ACL, medial meniscus and MCL injury, commonly referred to as the "unhappy triad." Study Design: A case study was conducted on a 24-year-old female soccer player, five years postoperative ACL and meniscus repair, who reported knee pain, weakness, and instability during functional activities and sports. Methods: The participant underwent BFRT sessions twice a week for eight weeks. Exercises were performed with 80% blood flow restriction on the affected limb, interrupting arterial blood flow during 3 exercises with a 2-minute rest break in between exercises during which the cuff was deflated. Exercises included unilateral knee extensions, step-ups, and leg presses, comprising four sets of each exercise with repetitions of 30, 15, 15, and 15, with 30 seconds of rest in between each set. Results: Our study revealed improvements in maximal volitional isometric contraction (MVIC) torque, burst torque, self-reported confidence, and thigh symmetry. MVIC torque of the affected limb increased by 8.5% and burst torque increased by 23% indicating enhanced strength. Conclusion: The case study highlights promising outcomes of BFRT in improving strength in the knee extensor muscles of persons with chronic weakness. Future research should explore qualitative assessments and BMI, skinfold measurements, and functional evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of BFRT's efficacy.