Study of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Added to Physical Therapy for Recovery After Total Knee Replacement in Adults Aged 50 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of progressive blood flow restriction BFR exercise combined with conventional physiotherapy compared to conventional physiotherapy alone in patients recovering from unilateral total knee arthroplasty TKA due to advanced knee osteoarthritis. This randomized controlled trial aims to address common post-surgery challenges such as pain, limited knee range of motion, swelling, impaired proprioception, and fear of movement, which can delay recovery. The study focuses on whether BFR exercise offers additional benefits beyond standard rehabilitation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will receive progressive BFR exercise applied via a pneumatic cuff on the thigh during low-load therapeutic exercises, including quadriceps sets, leg raises, heel slides, and gait training, three times per week for six weeks alongside conventional physiotherapy. The control group will undergo conventional physiotherapy alone, which includes early mobilization, pain and swelling management, range of motion and strengthening exercises, and gait training, also three times per week for six weeks. Participants will be assessed at the start and end of the six-week intervention for pain intensity, knee range of motion, swelling, proprioception, kinesiophobia, and functional performance. All sessions will be supervised by physiotherapists, and standard postoperative care will continue throughout. The trial seeks to provide evidence on whether adding BFR can improve functional recovery after TKA while monitoring safety and tolerability during rehabilitation.

Effects of Progressive Restricted Blood Flow Exercises in Post Total Knee Arthroplasty