Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Anterior Knee Pain and Quadriceps Function in Physically Active Individuals with Anterior Knee Pain

Anterior knee pain (AKP) is common in active individuals. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) may offer rehabilitation benefits without heavy joint loading. Design: Repeated-measures crossover study. 20 individuals with AKP, each completing both BFRT and control conditions one week apart using a crossover design. Interventions consisted of four sets of knee extensions using 5% body weight, with BFRT applied at 80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). Pain (0–10 scale) and strength (HUMAC NORM) were measured before and after intervention. AKP at rest 5 minutes after BFRT was significantly lower than after the control condition (p = 0.038), but no other outcomes differed significantly (p = 0.092-0.538). BFRT was not more effective than control for acute AKP reduction. Individual responses varied, suggesting BFRT may benefit some individuals but is not universally superior. Previous literature has shown that long-term use of BFRT is an effective method for reducing pain and increasing strength.