Knee OsteoarthritisyesNCT07892144
Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training With and Without Hip Abductor Strengthening in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.(BFR)
A study testing Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance Training and Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance Training in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effects of low-load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) resistance training with and without hip abductor strengthening in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- What is being tested?
- Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance Training and Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both genders. Age 40-60 years. BMI (kg/m 2 ) < 30 Have unilateral or bilateral knee OA. Have radiographic OA severity of Kellgren-Lawrence Grade I-II. Knee pain ≥3 months. Report pain intensity of ≥4-6/1 0 on Numeric Pain rating scale. Be able to walk independently without assistive devices
Who cannot join
- Total Knee replacement Deep venous thrombosis. Severe Cardiovascular disorders.(such as Acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease) Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Acute knee injury within the last 6 months. Significant ligament tears (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL). Knee surgery within the last 6-1 2 months. Lower limb Fractures
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
University of Management & Technology
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
Official title: Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Resistance With and Without Hip Abductor Strength Training on Pain, Range of Motion, Strength and Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.
This study aims to compare the effects of low-load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) resistance training with and without hip abductor strengthening in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It will evaluate the effectiveness of both treatment approaches in reducing knee pain, improving range of motion, increasing muscle strength, and enhancing functional ability. The study will determine which intervention provides better clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Being tested
- Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance Training, Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance Training
- Keywords
- Blood Flow Restriction Training, Hip Abductor Strength Training, Low-Load Resistance, Pain, Strength
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis, Knee, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance TrainingOther
Participants will receive hip abductor strengthening for Weeks 2-4, followed by BFR resistance training during Weeks 5-6, under physiotherapist supervision.
Exercises include side-lying hip abduction, clamshells, standing resisted hip abduction, and lateral band walks (3 sets of 10-15 repetitions or 10 lateral steps per direction), with 60-second rest intervals.
Training will begin with bodyweight exercises, progressing to TheraBand resistance from Week 2, without BFR cuff application during hip exercises.
Weeks 5-6: Participants will receive BFR training (knee extensions and leg presses) at 20-30% of 1RM, 70% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP), and 4 sets of 30-15-15-15 repetitions.
Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance TrainingOther
Participants will receive supervised low-load BFR training targeting quadriceps and hamstrings through seated knee extensions, leg presses (bilateral/unilateral), and progressive mini squats at 20-30% of 1RM.Each exercise includes 4 sets (30-15-15-15 repetitions), with 30-60 seconds of rest between sets while the cuff remains inflated, followed by immediate deflation after the final set.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance Training |
| Hip abductor strength training followed by low-load BFR resistance training | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale NRPS
11-point numeric with 0 representing No pain, 1-3 representing Mild Pain (nagging, annoying, interfering little with ADLs), 4-6 representing Moderate Pains (interferes significantly with ADLs), 7-10 representing Sever Pain
Measured: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
Western Ontario And McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
The WOMAC is a disease-specific questionnaire designed to assess symptoms and functional limitations in individuals with knee and hip osteoarthritis. It consists of 24 items divided into three domains: Pain (5 items), Stiffness (2 items), and Physical.Function (1 7 items). The WOMAC is widely used to evaluate the impact of osteoarthritis on daily activities and quality of life.Higher WOMAC scores indicate greater pain, stiffness, and functional disability, whereas lower scores represent betterfunctional status and symptom improvement.
Measured: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
Goniometer
A goniometer is a reliable clinical tool used to measure knee flexion and extension ROM in patients with knee osteoarthritis, assess joint mobility, monitor disease progression, and evaluate rehabilitation outcomes. Normal knee flexion is approximately 135°-140° and extension is 0°. Reduced ROM indicates stiffness, pain, or functional limitations.
Measured: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
Handheld Dynamometer
A handheld dynamometer (HHD) is a portable, objective tool used to measure isometric muscle strength at a fixed joint position. It records maximum muscle force in Newtons (N) or kilograms-force (kgf), with higher values indicating greater muscle strength.
Measured: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
SF-1 2 (Short form -1 2 Health Survey)
The SF-12 is a validated, reliable, and shorter version of the SF-36 that assesses physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) components of quality of life in knee osteoarthritis patients. Lower baseline scores indicate physical impairment or emotional burden, while increased post-intervention scores reflect improved physical and mental health. A change of approximately 3-5 points may be considered clinically meaningful, depending on the population and scoring method.
Measured: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Oct 2026
- Study start20 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Knee OsteoarthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study aims to compare the effects of low-load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) resistance training with and without hip abductor strengthening in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It will evaluate the effectiveness of both treatment approaches in reducing knee pain, improving range of motion, increasing muscle strength, and enhancing functional ability. The study will determine which intervention provides better clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Salman Bashir, University of Management and Technology Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07892144
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-169-2026
- Acronym
- yes
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Resistance With and Without Hip Abductor Strength Training on Pain, Range of Motion, Strength and Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07892144
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- yes / RE-169-2026
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Keywords
- Blood Flow Restriction Training, Hip Abductor Strength Training, Low-Load Resistance, Pain, Strength
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to compare the effects of low-load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) resistance training with and without hip abductor strengthening in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It will evaluate the effectiveness of both treatment approaches in reducing knee pain, improving range of motion, increasing muscle strength, and enhancing functional ability. The study will determine which intervention provides better clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study aims to compare the effects of low-load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) resistance training with and without hip abductor strengthening in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It will evaluate the effectiveness of both treatment approaches in reducing knee pain, improving range of motion, increasing muscle strength, and enhancing functional ability. The study will determine which intervention provides better clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training | Active comparator | Other: Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance Training |
| Hip abductor strength training followed by low-load BFR resistance training | Experimental | Other: Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance Training |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Both genders. Age 40-60 years. BMI (kg/m 2 ) < 30 Have unilateral or bilateral knee OA. Have radiographic OA severity of Kellgren-Lawrence Grade I-II. Knee pain ≥3 months. Report pain intensity of ≥4-6/1 0 on Numeric Pain rating scale. Be able to walk independently without assistive devices
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Total Knee replacement Deep venous thrombosis. Severe Cardiovascular disorders.(such as Acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease) Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Acute knee injury within the last 6 months. Significant ligament tears (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL). Knee surgery within the last 6-1 2 months. Lower limb Fractures
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance TrainingParticipants will receive hip abductor strengthening for Weeks 2-4, followed by BFR resistance training during Weeks 5-6, under physiotherapist supervision. Exercises include side-lying hip abduction, clamshells, standing resisted hip abduction, and lateral band walks (3 sets of 10-15 repetitions or 10 lateral steps per direction), with 60-second rest intervals. Training will begin with bodyweight exercises, progressing to TheraBand resistance from Week 2, without BFR cuff application during hip exercises. Weeks 5-6: Participants will receive BFR training (knee extensions and leg presses) at 20-30% of 1RM, 70% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP), and 4 sets of 30-15-15-15 repetitions. | Other | Hip abductor strength training followed by low-load BFR resistance training |
| Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance TrainingParticipants will receive supervised low-load BFR training targeting quadriceps and hamstrings through seated knee extensions, leg presses (bilateral/unilateral), and progressive mini squats at 20-30% of 1RM.Each exercise includes 4 sets (30-15-15-15 repetitions), with 30-60 seconds of rest between sets while the cuff remains inflated, followed by immediate deflation after the final set. | Other | Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale NRPS
Time frame: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
11-point numeric with 0 representing No pain, 1-3 representing Mild Pain (nagging, annoying, interfering little with ADLs), 4-6 representing Moderate Pains (interferes significantly with ADLs), 7-10 representing Sever Pain
Western Ontario And McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
Time frame: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
The WOMAC is a disease-specific questionnaire designed to assess symptoms and functional limitations in individuals with knee and hip osteoarthritis. It consists of 24 items divided into three domains: Pain (5 items), Stiffness (2 items), and Physical.Function (1 7 items). The WOMAC is widely used to evaluate the impact of osteoarthritis on daily activities and quality of life.Higher WOMAC scores indicate greater pain, stiffness, and functional disability, whereas lower scores represent betterfunctional status and symptom improvement.
Goniometer
Time frame: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
A goniometer is a reliable clinical tool used to measure knee flexion and extension ROM in patients with knee osteoarthritis, assess joint mobility, monitor disease progression, and evaluate rehabilitation outcomes. Normal knee flexion is approximately 135°-140° and extension is 0°. Reduced ROM indicates stiffness, pain, or functional limitations.
Handheld Dynamometer
Time frame: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
A handheld dynamometer (HHD) is a portable, objective tool used to measure isometric muscle strength at a fixed joint position. It records maximum muscle force in Newtons (N) or kilograms-force (kgf), with higher values indicating greater muscle strength.
1 secondary outcome
SF-1 2 (Short form -1 2 Health Survey)
Time frame: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Oct 2026.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Hip Abductor Strength Training followed by Low-Load BFR Resistance Training and Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Resistance Training in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale NRPS (time frame: Baseline and post treatment after 6 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Oct 2026.