Thigh blood-flow restriction for knee osteoarthritis and low back pain
Official title: Ischemic Preconditioning in Osteoarthritis and Back Pain
Run by University of Illinois Chicago · NCT07003113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether repeated brief full thigh blood-flow restriction every other day for two weeks helps people over 50 with knee osteoarthritis and low back pain improve function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07003113 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 or older who meet ACR criteria for knee pain, have back pain with ODI > 12, can walk three minutes without aids, and can provide written informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
People with a history of leg blood clots or other conditions that make thigh compression unsafe, heart failure or thrombosis, recent joint replacement or recent steroid injection, neuromuscular disorders affecting the leg, pregnancy, non-English speakers, or those unable to walk three minutes are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants receive either ischemic preconditioning using full thigh occlusion (5 minutes on, 5 minutes off for a total of 50 minutes) or a sham intervention every other day for two weeks. The intervention is applied to a single thigh with sessions conducted in the Human and Sport Performance Lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Outcomes focus on functional improvement related to knee osteoarthritis and low back pain. Eligible participants must be able to walk at least three minutes unaided and meet specified clinical criteria for knee and back pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple, non-drug option to reduce pain and improve mobility for people with knee osteoarthritis and low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Related blood-flow restriction approaches during rehabilitation and exercise have shown small improvements in strength and function, but using full thigh ischemic preconditioning specifically for osteoarthritis and low back pain is relatively novel and not yet well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Reported Knee Pain using ACR Criteria * Reported Back Pain using ODI Criteria \> 12 * Ability to walk for at least 3 minutes without the use of aids * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 50 years old * History of Knee or Hip Replacements * History of steroid injection within the previous 6 months * Presence of neuromuscular joint condition that affects lower extremity function * History of blood clots in the leg or any condition in which compression of the thigh is contraindicated * History of heart failure or thrombosis * Allergic to ultrasound gel * History of spine surgery * Non-English speaker * Currently pregnant or intends to become pregnant during the study
Where it's running
-
Human and Sport Performance Lab
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lindsay Hannigan — University of Illinois Chicago
- Study coordinator: Shraddha Sudhir
- Email: ssudhi5@uic.edu
- Phone: 312-413-5118
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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.