Eccentric exercise with blood flow restriction versus heavy slow resistance for tennis elbow
Effectiveness of Eccentric Training With Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Versus Resistance Training in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
This study will see if adding blood flow restriction to eccentric wrist extensor exercises helps adults aged 25–45 with chronic lateral epicondylitis more than standard heavy slow resistance training.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07365033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial will enroll 40 adults with chronic unilateral lateral epicondylitis and randomly assign them to either eccentric exercise with blood flow restriction (ECC+BFR) or heavy slow resistance (HSR) training. Each group will perform supervised sessions three times per week for eight weeks at participating hospitals in the Lahore region. Outcomes including pain intensity (NPRS), patient-specific functional performance (PSFS), muscle strength, and hypertrophy will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Data will be analyzed using appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests after checking normality.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 25–45 with unilateral chronic lateral epicondylitis lasting more than 12 months and positive Cozen's and Mill's tests who can attend supervised sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with recent elbow surgery or injections, systemic inflammatory disease, vascular or clotting disorders, contraindications to blood flow restriction, pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension, or bilateral symptoms are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the ECC+BFR approach could reduce pain and improve function using lower loads, offering a more tolerable rehabilitation option for chronic tennis elbow.
How similar studies have performed: Blood flow restriction combined with low-load or eccentric exercise has shown promise in tendon and muscle rehabilitation in other conditions, but high-quality evidence specifically for lateral epicondylitis is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patient aged between 25 and 45 years. Both male and female participants with unilateral symptoms only. Clinically diagnosed unilateral lateral epicondylitis (LE), confirmed by positive Cozen's and Mills' tests. Symptom duration exceeding 12 months, indicating chronic LE. Exclusion Criteria: Previous history of surgery or injection therapy for LE within the past 6 months. Coexisting conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, cervical radiculopathy, significant tendon tears). Contraindications to BFR (e.g., DVT, vascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, clotting disorders). Use of anticoagulants or long-term pain medications. Pregnant or psychological person.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nimra Rafiq, MS MSK — The University of Lahore, Lahore
- Study coordinator: Nimra Rafiq, MS MSK
- Email: 701747512@student.uol.edu.pk
- Phone: 0333 4170217
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.