Effects of Low Intensity Blood Flow Restriction on Clinical Outcomes in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction on Clinical Outcomes in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective is to compare the effects of routine physical therapy with and without low intensity blood flow restriction on pain and quadriceps muscle strength in women with knee osteoarthritis.

A single blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at Department of Physiotherapy, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Defense Road, Lahore.

Total 60 participants were randomly assigned in to two groups, with 30 in each group The intervention group received routine physiotherapy program combined with Low Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Technique (LI-BFR. While control group were treated with only routine physiotherapy.

Dynamometer was used to assess the knee extensor strength while Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score was used to record any exacerbation in pain and effects of BFR on activities of daily living. Training load determined 20% of 1RM. Data analysis had done on SPSS version 23.

nonparametric test Friedman test was for comparison within the groups and Mann Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups.

Randomization had done through the sealed envelope method. After allocation subjects had received their treatment protocals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed patients of grade II knee osteoarthritis
• Patient's age 45-65

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral knee replacement
• Lower limb surgery in the last six months
• Diagnosis of inflammatory joint or muscle disease
• Chest pain during exercise or at rest; or need for supplemental oxygen
• Pregnancy
• Any systemic disease