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Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Intermittent Blood Flow Restriction Training VS Hip Strengthening Exercises for Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Corresponding Author(s) : P. Bright Alwin Victor
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): 2026 Volume 14-Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting the knee, particularly among adolescents, young adults, and physically active individuals. It is characterized by diffuse anterior knee pain that is aggravated by activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, prolonged sitting, and kneeling.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intermittent blood flow restriction training compared with hip abductor, external rotator, and extensor muscle strengthening exercises in patients with Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 20 patients with Patellofemoral pain syndrome. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received hip abductor, external rotator, and extensor muscle strengthening exercises, while Group B received intermittent blood flow restriction training. Both groups received treatment three sessions per week for six weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed using the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) and Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to assess functional ability and pain intensity. Results:
Comparison of the pre- and post-intervention mean values of the Anterior Knee Pain Scale and Numerical Pain Rating Scale demonstrated improvement in both groups. However, Group A showed a greater improvement in functional ability and a greater reduction in pain compared with Group B
Conclusion: The conclusion of this study was the Both hip strengthening exercises and intermittent blood flow restriction training were effective in improving functional ability and reducing pain in individuals with Patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, the findings of this study indicate that hip abductor, external rotator, and extensor muscle strengthening exercises produced greater improvements than intermittent blood flow restriction training over the eight-week intervention period.