Post-surgery Muscle Preservation and Pain Reduction Through Blood Flow Restriction Training in Orthopedic Spinal Surgery

This project investigates the effects of the Blood-Flow-Restriction (BFR) training method on postoperative muscle atrophy and pain after spinal surgery. Two groups are formed for this purpose. The intervention group receives a everyday BFR training during the postoperative stay at an individually measured occlusion pressure of 60-80%. The control group performs sham-BFR training at a fixed occlusion pressure of 20mmHg. The examinations are carried out before and several times after the operation (longest follow-up: 6 months). Among other things, muscle mass, muscle strength, pain perception and quality of life are assessed using questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria: * The study includes all patients with a medical indication for spinal surgical therapy (including herniated disc, vertebral fracture, spinal stenosis, spondylodiscitis, etc). * All participating patients have given their written informed consent to participate in the study. * Patients aged between 18-85 years will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or chronic infections of the extremities. * Pregnancy and lactation * Inability to undergo surgery