12 - WEEK LOW-LOAD BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING VERSUS ECCENTRIC TRAINING IN ATHLETES WITH PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate low-load blood flow restriction training (BFR) versus eccentric exercise alone (ECC) in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Forty athletes (mean age 25±4 years) with chronic patellar tendinopathy were randomly assigned to either a BFR training group or an ECC training group. Both groups underwent a 12-week progressive training program; the BFR group performed exercises with 20-40% 1RM under cuff pressure (occlusion at ~80% arterial pressure). The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) score for knee pain and function was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included isometric quadriceps strength (QS). Outcomes were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Results: Thirty-five participants (18 BFR, 17 eccentric) completed the intervention (Figure 1). VISA-P and quadriceps strength significantly improved in both groups. The BFR group achieved a greater increase in VISA-P (from 60±15 to 85±10 points) than the ECC group (60±15 to 75±15), with an adjusted between-group difference of ~10 points (p=0.03). Quadriceps strength similarly increased more in the BFR group (200±50 to 250±50 Nm) than in the ECC group (210±45 to 230±50 Nm, between-group p=0.04). There were no adverse training-related incidents detected.

Conclusion: In athletes with patellar tendinopathy, adding low-load BFR training program produced superior reductions in pain, function (VISA-P), and QS compared to eccentric training. BFR combined with exercise is a viable and efficient rehabilitation strategy for patellar tendinopathy, potentially allowing therapeutic gains with lower mechanical load.