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Recruiting NCT07585305

Comparative Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training Versus Blood Flow Restriction Cycling on Pain, Quadriceps Strength, and Functional Outcomes in Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain

No phase Interventional Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome

For patients and families

In plain language

An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.

What is being studied
The protocol lists: Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training, Blood Flow Restriction Cycling.
Who it may be relevant to
Registry conditions: Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome. Basic parameters: 18 years — 40 years · All.
What needs checking
Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
Where it takes place
Pakistan
Next step
Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →

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Official title

Comparative Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training Versus Blood Flow Restriction Cycling on Pain, Quadriceps Strength, and Functional Outcomes in Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

This randomized controlled trial compares blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance training (leg press and seated knee extension at 30% 1RM) versus BFR cycling (stationary cycling at low resistance) in 60 athletes (aged 18-40 years) diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Both interventions are delivered over 8 weeks (3 sessions/week) with a pneumatic cuff set at 80% limb occlusion pressure. Primary outcomes include pain intensity (NPRS), quadriceps strength (handheld dynamometer), and functional ability (Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale), assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Detailed description

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions in athletes, with reported prevalence of 30-40% in sports populations. High-load resistance training is the conventional rehabilitation approach but often exacerbates joint stress and reduces adherence. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training enables strength gains at low loads by applying a pneumatic cuff at 80% LOP on the proximal thigh.

This trial compares two BFR modalities:

* Group A (BFR-RT): Leg press and seated knee extension, 1x30 + 3x15 reps at 30% 1RM, 3x/week for 8 weeks. * Group B (BFR-CYC): Stationary cycling at low resistance, 4x5-minute intervals at 70-80 RPM (RPE 11-13), 3x/week for 8 weeks.

All sessions are supervised one-on-one by a physiotherapist. Assessments are conducted at baseline and week 8. The study is single-blinded (outcome assessor blinded). Randomization via computer-generated sequence. Statistical analysis via SPSS v27 (paired t-test / Wilcoxon for within-group; independent t-test / Mann-Whitney for between-group, alpha=0.05).

Interventions

  • Device Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training
    Participants will undergo blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance training using a pneumatic cuff applied to the proximal thigh at 80% limb occlusion pressure. Exercises include leg press and seated knee extension performed at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Training will be conducted for 8 weeks, with supervised sessions 3 times per week. Cuff pressure will be monitored and adjusted using BP cuff. The aim is to improve quadriceps strength and reduce pain in patients with patellofemoral pai
  • Device Blood Flow Restriction Cycling
    Participants will perform stationary cycling combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) applied to the proximal thigh at 80% limb occlusion pressure. Cycling will be performed at low resistance with controlled cadence for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week under physiotherapist supervision. The protocol includes structured cycling intervals with rest periods and continuous monitoring of pain and perceived exertion. The intervention aims to improve quadriceps strength, reduce pain, and enhance function

Primary outcome measures

  • Quadriceps Strength - Handheld Dynamometer [Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)]
  • Pain Intensity - Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) [Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
  • Functional Outcomes - Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) [Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

  • Male and female athletes aged 18-40 years
  • Clinically diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Anterior or retropatellar knee pain of at least 3 months duration
  • Pain provoked by at least two functional activities (e.g., squatting, stair climbing, running, prolonged sitting)
  • Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • History of knee surgery or significant knee trauma in the past 6 months
  • Presence of ligament, meniscal, or cartilage injuries
  • Neurological, vascular, or systemic inflammatory conditions
  • Contraindications to BFR training (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, uncontrolled hypertension)
  • Pregnancy

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation
Randomized
Model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single blind
Primary purpose
Treatment

Study locations

Pakistan · 1 center
  • Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui) — Islamabad

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07585305 · IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/04/286

Primary sources (government registries)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗