Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training for Treating Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction BFR training as a treatment for lateral elbow epicondylopathy, also known as tennis elbow. This study aims to test whether adding BFR to standard physiotherapy can lead to significant pain relief and improved hand function compared to physiotherapy without BFR. Previous research suggests BFR training may reduce muscle loss and improve strength, but this trial seeks to verify its effects specifically for this elbow condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for six weeks of physiotherapy sessions held twice per week, each lasting about 20 minutes. One group will receive physiotherapy combined with BFR using a cuff inflated to 50% of arterial occlusion pressure, while the control group will receive the same physiotherapy with a sham BFR cuff inflated to 20 mmHg, which does not affect blood flow. Both treatments follow the same exercise protocol, and patients can stop therapy at any time. Throughout the study, clinical examinations and questionnaires will be completed at the start, after six weeks of treatment, and again six and twelve weeks following therapy completion. These assessments will measure pain levels, elbow function, quality of life, strength, and disability related to the arm, shoulder, and hand. The study includes careful monitoring of joint status and symptoms, with no travel or expense compensation provided. The total participation spans approximately three months of follow-up after treatment.

Blood Flow Restriction Training For The Treatment Of Lateral Epicondylopathy