Acute effects of blood flow restriction training to failure in knee osteoarthritis using dynamic vs fixed pressure

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares two low-intensity resistance exercise protocols with blood flow restriction in adults aged 50–85 awaiting unilateral knee replacement for severe gonarthrosis. Participants complete two sessions under different occlusion conditions, separated by at least 72 hours, in a randomized order. One condition uses 30% load with 50% dynamic BFR pressure; the other uses 30% load with 50% fixed BFR pressure, with exercises performed to failure. The primary aim is to observe acute hypoalgesic responses associated with each BFR approach. The trial is conducted at the University of Valencia, with recruitment limited to individuals on the unilateral TKR waiting list and meeting specific health criteria.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 50 and 85 years
* Diagnosis of severe gonarthrosis according to the clinical and radiographic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology guidelines.
* On the waiting list for unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pain in the contralateral leg with an intensity ≥80/100 mm on the visual analog scale (VAS) during daily activities.
* Previous hip or knee replacement surgery and osteotomy within the last year.
* Autoimmune arthritis
* Medical conditions that contraindicate exercise.
* Participation in exercise programs (\>2 days/week with training at intensities of 10-15 1RM) in the previous six months.
* History of stroke, brain surgery, major depression, or self-reported cognitive impairment that could affect performance in the study.
* Cardiovascular, thrombotic, or vascular risk factors (uncontrolled hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, heart failure, severe varicose veins, or uncontrolled anticoagulant therapy).
* Skin or local alterations at the cuff application site (ulcers, open wounds, infections, lymphedema, or severe edema).
* Inability to communicate normally or with impaired communication skills.

Where it's running

• Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia
  Valencia, Valencia, Spain Recruiting
• University of Valencia
  Valencia, Valencia, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Adrián Escriche-Escuder, PhD
• Email: adrian.escriche@uv.es
• Phone: +34 963 98 38 55

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.