Blood flow restriction training for lateral elbow tendinopathy

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.