Effect of Partial Blood Flow Restriction Training in Improving Physical Functioning among Middle-Aged Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training combines low-intensity exercise with blood flow occlusion to
produce outcomes comparable to those of high-intensity training. BFR is as effective as high-intensity protocols
known to enhance knee extensor muscle strength in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, the aim
of this study is to find out the effect of Partial Blood Flow Restriction Training on pain and physical functioning
among knee OA subjects.
Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of Partial Blood Flow Restriction Training in Improving Physical Functioning
Among Middle-Aged Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis.
Materials and Methods: This is the pilot study where twenty subjects with knee OA were divided randomly into
two equal groups. Group “A” received BFR training combined with conventional exercise two times/week and
Group “B” received conventional exercise two times/week. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Western Ontario
and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were used to evaluate subjects at two intervals (Pre-Test
and Post-Test).
Results: The difference between the Group A and Groups B was statistically significant (p<=0.001). Hence
conventional exercise combined with blood flow restriction training shows significant improvement than
conventional exercise among OA knee subjects.
Conclusion: This pilot study concluded that the conventional exercise combined with blood flow restriction
training was effective in subjects with OA knee.