Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training vs. Conventional Strength Training on Quadriceps Strength in Early Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal condition marked by quadriceps weakness and functional deterioration. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has emerged as a beneficial alternative to traditional high-load strength training, although comparable data in early knee osteoarthritis is sparse. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of blood flow restriction training and traditional strength training on quadriceps strength, pain, and functional outcomes in patients with early knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A randomized controlled experiment with two arms and parallel groups was done at Ikram Hospital in Gujarat, Pakistan. Sixty people with Kellgren-Lawrence grade I-II knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to receive either BFRT (20-30% of 1 RM with 60-80% arterial occlusion) or conventional strength training (CST; 70-80% of 1-RM) for 12 weeks (3 sessions per week). Quadriceps muscle strength, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), counter movement jump performance, and Timed Up and Go test were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, respectively. Results: The study had 51 individuals (26 BFRT and 25 CST). The BFRT group outperformed the CST group in quadriceps strength (6.84 vs 4.78 Nm/kg, p=0.001), KOOS scores (17.38 vs 13.35 points, p=0.002), and countermovement jump height (4.87 vs 3.39 cm, p=0.001). There were no adverse events reported in either group. Conclusion: In patients with early knee osteoarthritis, blood flow restriction training with low-load resistance exercises improved muscle strength, pain, and functional performance more than conventional high-load strength training, while remaining safe and tolerable. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.04/006