The effects of preconditioning with ischemic exercise on quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a quasi-randomized controlled trial.

Background: The degree of quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) atrophy is recognized as one of the key factors of poor knee function and patient's outcome, despite successful reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Aim: The study assessed whether muscle preconditioning with ischemic exercise can attenuate loss of QF volume, strength, and function after ACL reconstruction.

Design: Prospective, single-centre, quasi-randomized, controlled trial with sham intervention.