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Tennis Elbow SyndromeelbowNCT07710976

Blood Flow Restriction Training in Tennis Elbow

A study testing Blood Flow Restriction Training and Exercise without blood flow restriction in people with Tennis Elbow Syndrome, run by Necmettin Erbakan University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common musculoskeletal disorder caused by repetitive overuse of the forearm extensor muscles. It is characterized by pain over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, which may radiate to the surrounding tissues at the origin of the wrist extensor tendons. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Tennis Elbow Syndrome
What is being tested?
Blood Flow Restriction Training and Exercise without blood flow restriction
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
28 Feb 2025to 28 Feb 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • age between 18 and 75 years;
  • clinical diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis based on medical history and physical examination;
  • pain intensity of ≥4 on a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during daily activities;
  • provision of written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, previous deep vein thrombosis, or lymphedema;
  • orthopedic, rheumatologic, or neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity;
  • fibromyalgia;
  • congenital or acquired elbow deformity;
  • previous trauma, fracture, or surgery involving the affected upper extremity;
  • cervical radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy affecting the involved limb;
Show all 12Show fewer
  • receipt of any treatment for lateral epicondylitis within the preceding 3 months;
  • skin lesions, infection, or open wounds at the cuff application site;
  • bleeding disorders or current anticoagulant therapy;
  • pregnancy;
  • active malignancy or a history of malignancy;
  • cognitive impairment or neurological or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with comprehension of study procedures or completion of outcome assessments.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Necmettin Erbakan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

    Konya

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Pain, Function, Disability, Quality of Life, and Common Extensor Tendon Thickness and Echogenicity in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common musculoskeletal disorder caused by repetitive overuse of the forearm extensor muscles. It is characterized by pain over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, which may radiate to the surrounding tissues at the origin of the wrist extensor tendons. LE is one of the most frequent causes of lateral elbow pain, with a reported prevalence of approximately 1-3% in the general population.

Among conservative interventions, exercise-based rehabilitation is considered a cornerstone of management. In particular, exercise programs incorporating eccentric contractions have demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared with several other exercise approaches and are therefore widely recommended.

Read more

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has recently emerged as an alternative rehabilitation strategy that promotes neuromuscular adaptations while using low mechanical loads. BFRT involves the application of a pneumatic cuff, tourniquet, or elastic band around the proximal portion of an extremity to partially restrict arterial inflow while substantially reducing venous return, thereby creating localized metabolic and hemodynamic stress during exercise.

The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of BFRT on pain, functional status, pain-free grip strength, health-related quality of life, and ultrasonographic characteristics of the common extensor tendon in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Read the detailed description

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common musculoskeletal disorder caused by repetitive overuse of the forearm extensor muscles. It is characterized by pain over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, which may radiate to the surrounding tissues at the origin of the wrist extensor tendons. LE is one of the most frequent causes of lateral elbow pain, with a reported prevalence of approximately 1-3% in the general population. Although numerous conservative and invasive treatment modalities have been described, no universally accepted treatment algorithm currently exists. Among conservative interventions, exercise-based rehabilitation is considered a cornerstone of management because it improves tendon load tolerance, increases muscle strength, and facilitates functional recovery.

Although no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal exercise protocol, recent research has focused on interventions that enhance the adaptation of the common extensor tendon to mechanical loading. In particular, exercise programs incorporating eccentric contractions have demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared with several other exercise approaches and are therefore widely recommended. Furthermore, regular exercise has been shown to improve tendon mechanical properties by increasing collagen synthesis as well as collagen fiber number and diameter.

To achieve meaningful improvements in muscle strength and hypertrophy, resistance exercise is generally recommended at loads of at least 70% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM). However, such loading is often poorly tolerated by individuals experiencing pain, muscle weakness, or muscle atrophy during the early stages of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Consequently, high-intensity resistance exercise may exacerbate symptoms and reduce treatment adherence.

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has recently emerged as an alternative rehabilitation strategy that promotes neuromuscular adaptations while using low mechanical loads. BFRT involves the application of a pneumatic cuff, tourniquet, or elastic band around the proximal portion of an extremity to partially restrict arterial inflow while substantially reducing venous return, thereby creating localized metabolic and hemodynamic stress during exercise.

In BFRT, resistance exercises are typically performed at 20-30% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM). Despite the low training intensity, accumulating evidence indicates that BFRT can produce gains in muscle strength and hypertrophy comparable to those achieved with conventional high-intensity resistance training.

These characteristics make BFRT an attractive adjunct or alternative to traditional resistance exercise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly for minimizing excessive tissue loading during tendon healing, preventing muscle atrophy, and preserving functional capacity. Nevertheless, evidence regarding the effects of BFRT on clinical outcomes and tendon morphology in patients with lateral epicondylitis remains limited.

The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of BFRT on pain, functional status, pain-free grip strength, health-related quality of life, and ultrasonographic characteristics of the common extensor tendon in patients with lateral epicondylitis. A secondary aim was to compare these outcomes with those achieved using a conventional exercise program and to determine whether BFRT induces measurable structural changes in tendon morphology as assessed by ultrasonography.

Being tested
Blood Flow Restriction Training, Exercise without blood flow restriction
Keywords
Tennis elbow, grip strength, blood flow restriction training, rehabilitation, ultrasonography, quality of life
Medical subject headings
Tennis Elbow

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Blood Flow Restriction TrainingProcedure or surgery

    Both groups participated in a supervised exercise program consisting of 12 sessions over four weeks (three sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Each treatment session began with 3-5 minutes of transverse friction massage applied to the painful region, followed by gentle circular soft-tissue mobilization in a proximal-to-distal direction. Resistance exercises were then performed using dumbbells and consisted of concentric and eccentric wrist extension and forearm supination exercises. The order of exercises was standardized for all participants throughout the intervention period.

    Participants allocated to the BFRT group performed the exercise program under blood flow restriction using a pneumatic cuff positioned around the proximal portion of the affected upper arm. Before the intervention, arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was individually determined for each participant. The cuff pressure used during training was set at 50% of the individual AOP. Tot

  • Exercise without blood flow restrictionProcedure or surgery

    Participants in the control group performed the identical exercise protocol without blood flow restriction.

Study groups in NCT07710976
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) groupExperimentalThe exercise program in this group was performed under blood flow restriction using a pneumatic cuff positioned around the proximal portion of the affected upper arm.
Receives: Procedure: Blood Flow Restriction Training
Control groupActive comparatorParticipants in the control group performed the same exercise protocol without blood flow restriction.
Receives: Procedure: Exercise without blood flow restriction

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE)

    The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) is a disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess pain and functional disability associated with lateral epicondylitis (14,15). The questionnaire consists of two domains evaluating pain and functional limitations, with a total score ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater pain and disability. The Turkish version of the PRTEE has demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability

    Measured: Baseline, at 4 weeks (end of intervention), and at 12 weeks (follow-up).

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Pain intensity at rest and during activity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The scale ranges from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("worst imaginable pain"). Participants were instructed to indicate the intensity of their pain by marking a point on the scale corresponding to their perceived pain level. The score was determined by measuring the distance (cm) from the left endpoint to the participant's mark. The VAS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing pain intensity in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

    Measured: Baseline, at 4 weeks (end of intervention), and at 12 weeks (follow-up).

  2. Pain-free grip strength (PFGS) Assessment

    PFGS is considered a sensitive indicator of functional impairment in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Participants were seated with the shoulder in a neutral position, the elbow comfortably extended, and the forearm pronated. Firstly, maximal grip strength was measured using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer in kilograms on the unaffected side. Participants were then instructed to gradually squeeze the dynamometer with the affected hand and stop immediately when pain was first perceived. Three measurements were obtained for each assessment with a 20-second rest interval between trials, and the mean value was used for analysis. PFGS was calculated as the ratio of pain-free grip strength of the affected side to maximal grip strength of the unaffected side. This method has been shown to provide excellent reliability in individuals with lateral epicondylitis.

    Measured: Baseline, at 4 weeks (end of intervention), and at 12 weeks (follow-up).

  3. Health-Related Quality of Life

    Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The SF-36 comprises eight domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health. Each domain is scored from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life. The Turkish version of the SF-36 has been validated and shown to be reliable

    Measured: Baseline, at 4 weeks (end of intervention), and at 12 weeks (follow-up).

  4. Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Common Extensor Tendon

    Ultrasonographic examinations were performed using a 7-12 MHz linear-array transducer (Logiq P8; GE Healthcare, Wisconsin, USA). The measurements were taken by a researcher with four years of experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound who did not know which group the patients belonged to.

    Participants were examined in a seated position with the elbow flexed to 90° and the forearm pronated. Longitudinal images of the common extensor tendon were obtained, and tendon thickness perpendicular to the tendon fibers, was measured at two standardized anatomical landmarks: (1) the deepest point over the capitellum and (2) the midpoint of the radiocapitellar joint. To improve measurement reliability, each measurement was repeated three times, and the mean value was used for statistical analyses.

    Measured: Baseline, at 4 weeks (end of intervention), and at 12 weeks (follow-up).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Jul 2026
  2. Study start28 Feb 2025
  3. Primary completion28 Feb 2026
  4. Study completion28 Feb 2026

Resources

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
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07710976
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025/5793
Acronym
elbow
Status last verified
May 2025
First submitted
14 Jul 2026
Last updated
21 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: All collected IPD, all IPD that underlie results in a publication

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Blood Flow Restriction Training and Exercise without blood flow restriction in people with Tennis Elbow Syndrome, run by Necmettin Erbakan University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

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 4 inclusion and 12 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jul 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

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?

Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) (time frame: Baseline, at 4 weeks (end of intervention), and at 12 weeks (follow-up).). 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 21 Jul 2026.

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