Isokinetic Training With Blood Flow Restriction for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

NCT07600827 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: NJKF202602001
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of isokinetic training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS)

  The AKPS is a validated questionnaire used to assess pain and functional limitations associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better knee function and fewer symptoms.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks

Study Arms (3)

IT+BFR group

EXPERIMENTAL

Isokinetic Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction

Device: Isokinetic Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction

IT group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Isokinetic Training

Device: Isokinetic Training

ACE group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Aerobic Cycling Exercise

Device: Aerobic Cycling Exercise

Interventions

Isokinetic Training DEVICE

Participants in this group will receive supervised isokinetic muscle strength training targeting the knee musculature using an isokinetic dynamometer. Each session will last 30 minutes throughout the intervention period.

IT group

Isokinetic Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction DEVICE

Participants in this group will receive isokinetic muscle strength training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR). BFR will be applied to the proximal thigh using a pneumatic cuff at an individualized pressure based on limb occlusion pressure. Isokinetic training will target the knee musculature using an isokinetic dynamometer under supervised conditions. Each session will last 30 minutes, with training performed multiple times per week throughout the intervention period.

IT+BFR group

Aerobic Cycling Exercise DEVICE

Participants in this group will receive supervised aerobic cycling exercise using a stationary bicycle. Training will be performed at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes per session throughout the intervention period.

ACE group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Participants aged 18 to 40 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
• Presence of anterior or retropatellar knee pain for at least 3 months.
• Pain provoked by at least two activities that increase patellofemoral joint load, including squatting, stair climbing, running, jumping, prolonged sitting, or kneeling.
• Average knee pain intensity of ≥3 on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) during aggravating activities.
• Ability to participate in exercise training and attend scheduled intervention sessions.
• Willingness to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• History of knee surgery or significant trauma to the lower extremity within the previous 12 months.
• Clinical evidence of other knee disorders, including ligament injury, meniscal injury, patellar instability, osteoarthritis, or tendinopathy.
• Presence of neurological, cardiovascular, or systemic musculoskeletal disorders that may affect lower limb function or exercise participation.
• Current participation in other structured lower extremity rehabilitation or strength training programs.
• Contraindications to blood flow restriction training, including uncontrolled hypertension, vascular disease, thromboembolic disorders, or clotting abnormalities.
• Use of pain-relieving injections or surgical interventions for knee pain within the previous 6 months.
• Pregnancy.
• Inability to complete the assessment or intervention procedures.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Nanjing Mingzhou Rehabilitation Hospital: lead
• Guilin institute of information technology: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Nanjing Mingzhou Rehabilitation Hospital

Nanjing, China

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Study Officials

• Zhang

  Nanjing Mingzhou Rehabilitation Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Jingzhi Zhang

CONTACT

+86-16677137704; 170787717@qq.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Supervisor Technician

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 15, 2026
• First Posted: May 22, 2026
• Study Start: February 25, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)