Eccentric exercise with blood flow restriction versus heavy slow resistance for tennis elbow
Official title: Effectiveness of Eccentric Training With Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Versus Resistance Training in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
Run by University of Lahore · NCT07365033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07365033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Ultrasound-guided nerve block and injections for elbow pain in lateral epicondylitis
This study tests whether an ultrasound-guided posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm epicondylar branch block, with or without a triamcinolone injection, can reduce pain and improve elbow function in adults with lateral epicondylitis.
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Central Sensitization and Ultrasound in Lateral Epicondylitis
This study tests whether people with chronic tennis elbow have different pressure pain thresholds and ultrasound findings compared with healthy controls.
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Combining ESWT and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for Lateral Epicondylitis
This study tests whether combining extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy helps people with lateral epicondylitis restore function and reduce pain.
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Effectiveness of TECAR therapy with exercise for lateral epicondylitis
This randomized trial tests whether adding TECAR therapy to a standard exercise program helps reduce pain and improve function in people with tennis elbow.
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Heavy slow-resistance wrist exercises and shoulder stabilization to reduce pain and improve grip in tennis elbow
This test will compare six weeks of heavy slow-resistance wrist exercises against shoulder stabilization exercises to see which better reduces pain and improves grip and function in adults aged 30–50 with tennis elbow.
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Eccentric Exercises With Muscle Energy Technique for Lateral Epicondylitis
This trial tests whether combining eccentric exercises with muscle energy technique helps reduce pain and improve function for people with tennis elbow.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.