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39 Rehabilitation with blood flow restriction training for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial (preliminary results)

bmjosem · 2026-01-20 · canonical JSON source

10 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Introduction Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common orthopaedic disease. Exercising with blood flow restriction (BFR) proved to be safe and effective. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate whether BFR combined with classic rehabilitation is more effective than classic rehabilitation alone for KOA.Materials and Methods Forty-three participants completed the intervention (BFR group=23, control group=20), with two sessions/week for a total of six-week. They underwent the same pre- and post-intervention measurements (WOMAC score, VAS pain, quadriceps/hamstring MVIC, joint position sense, single-leg squats quality rated with the QASLS scoring system, 30-second chair-stand test, 40-meter fast-paced walk test, timed up-and-go test, and six-minute walk test (6WT). Both groups underwent standardized exercise-based rehabilitation based on KOA non-surgical management guidelines.Results WOMAC score significantly improved in the control group (pre=32.7 ±16.3 Vs post=18.4 ±13.2, p=0.004) and VAS pain decreased in both groups (BFR group pre=4.0 ±3.0 Vs post=2.3 ±2.5, p=0.048; control group pre=4.7 ±2.4 Vs post=2.5 ±2.2, p=0.004). The single-leg squats improved in both groups (BFR group pre=8 ±1.9 Vs post=6.7 ±2.4, p=0.049; control group pre=8.1 ±2.2 Vs post=6.6 ±2.5, p=0.047). The number of stands in the 30-second chair-stand test improved in the control group only by 4.9 ±5 stands (p=0.004), as the 6WT walked meters by 94 ±110.3 m (p=0.013). All remaining outcomes’ pre- Vs post-treatment differences were not significant.Conclusions Combining BFR with classic rehabilitation for KOA improved pain, motor control, and walking endurance. Results did not prove additional benefits to the overall knee function and endurance compared to classic rehabilitation alone.