Rehabilitation for tennis elbow using blood flow restriction
Blood Flow Restricted Training to Enhance Lateral Epicondylitis Rehabilitation.
This study tests if using a special device that restricts blood flow during physical therapy can help people with tennis elbow feel less pain and recover better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT05237869 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of blood flow restriction therapy combined with standard physical therapy for patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. The goal is to reduce pain and improve functional recovery in individuals aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with this condition. Participants will undergo treatment with a blood flow restriction device alongside traditional rehabilitation methods to assess improvements in pain and strength. The study aims to address the current lack of effective treatment options for this prevalent overuse injury.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis.
Not a fit: Patients over 65 years of age or those with significant comorbidities affecting their upper extremities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster pain relief and improved recovery for patients with tennis elbow.
How similar studies have performed: While blood flow restriction therapy is gaining attention, this specific application for tennis elbow is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 18-65 years of age 2. Diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis confirmed by the treating orthopaedic surgeon and ultrasound 3. Must be able to read and write in English 4. Able to provide own written consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients over 65 years of age 2. Contralateral upper extremity involvement resulting in less than normal range of motion, muscle strength or daily pain greater than 1/10 3. History of prior injection for treatment of lateral epicondylitis 4. Pregnancy 5. Recent history of deep venous thrombosis (within the past 12 months) 6. Active treatment with anticoagulants 7. History of upper quadrant lymph node dissection 8. History of endothelial dysfunction 9. Patient history of easy bruising 10. Active infection in the injured arm 11. Cancer 12. Uncontrolled peripheral vascular disease 13. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Where this trial is running
Columbia, Missouri
- Vicki Jones — Columbia, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julia Nuelle, MD — University of Missouri Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Study coordinator: Vicki Jones, MEd, CCRP
- Email: jonesvicki@health.missouri.edu
- Phone: 5738827583
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.