The ADAPTation to Therapeutic Resistance Training (ADAPT) Study

In 2018, the Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR) published a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), demonstrating the feasibility and acceptability of integrating twice-daily blood flow restriction (BFR) training into a busy residential care setting. Following its publication was a guidance note written by the Directorate of Defence Rehabilitation restricting the implementation of BFR training until more evidence can be provided to support its efficacy. This research trial is a fully-powered, multi-centre RCT investigating the efficacy and biological mechanism underpinning BFR therapy in UK military personnel with lower-limb musculoskeletal injury (specifically, persistent anterior knee pain) during residential rehabilitation. This study will aim to optimise both the rehabilitation outcome and improve the time-and cost-effectiveness of the service delivered across UK Defence Rehabilitation and beyond. Results will provide insight and knowledge to the clinical and scientific community to not only those embedded within Defence Rehabilitation, but also those working in civilian sector organisations and professional sport in the UK and abroad.