Blood Flow Restriction Therapy after Non-Operative Management of Distal Radius Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Distal radius fracture is one of the most commonly sustained traumatic orthopedic injuries in the United States. Often, rehabilitation can be slow and returning to a normal level of function can be difficult. Recovery can be complicated by post-fracture restrictions on the amount of resistance that can safely be applied through the affected joint or across the fracture. Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy uses low load resistance exercises, typically 20-30% of a one repetition max (1RM) during a brief and partial restriction of venous outflow from an extremity. This brief period of venous occlusion creates an anerobic environment, thereby inducing localized cellular and hormonal changes which stimulate muscle hypertrophy. Our hypothesis was that low intensity upper extremity training with occlusion of venous blood flow will be safe, well-tolerated, and enhance recovery of hand strength compared to standard rehabilitation in patients with non-operatively treated distal radius fractures.