Blood flow restriction training for lateral elbow tendinopathy
Randomisierte, Kontrollierte Untersuchung Der Wirksamkeit Von Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)-Training Zur Behandlung Der Epicondylopathia Humeri Radialis
This trial will test whether adding blood flow restriction (BFR) training to usual physiotherapy helps adults with lateral epicondylopathy (tennis elbow) who have had symptoms for more than six weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Technical University of Munich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Munich, Bavaria) |
| Trial ID | NCT07172568 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, controlled intervention that supplements standard exercise therapy with either true blood flow restriction (BFR) or a sham BFR procedure applied to the affected limb. BFR uses a cuff or tourniquet to partially restrict blood flow to the muscle during low-load exercise, with the aim of stimulating strength and muscle adaptations. The protocol monitors safety and compares clinical outcomes between groups over the treatment period. The study builds on prior BFR work in other orthopaedic rehabilitation settings to determine whether it provides added benefit for lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) lasting more than six weeks who have not improved with prior physical therapy, have no concerning X-ray findings, and can give informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with symptom duration over 12 months, prior joint injections, concurrent rheumatoid or other elbow/nerve pathologies, radicular symptoms, or traumatic causes are excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding BFR to physiotherapy could speed recovery, reduce muscle atrophy, and improve strength and function in people with tennis elbow compared with exercise alone.
How similar studies have performed: Systematic reviews and trials in other musculoskeletal settings have shown that BFR can reduce atrophy and increase strength, with early positive results after ACL reconstruction and distal radius fracture rehabilitation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis * duration of symptoms \> 6 weeks * failed physical therapy * absence of x-ray abnormalities * written and informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * prior joint infiltrations * duration of symptoms \> 12 months * concomitant rheumatoid diseases * concomitant elbow pathologies, including medial epicondylitis * concomitant radicular symptoms of the cervical spine, shoulder or hand * traumatic etiology of symptoms
Where this trial is running
Munich, Bavaria
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich — Munich, Bavaria, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maximilian Hinz, MD — Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Technical University of Munich
- Study coordinator: Alexandros Doucas, MD
- Email: a.doucas@tum.de
- Phone: +491737442245
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.