Blood Flow Restriction Training for Patellar Instability
This study is looking at whether a type of physical therapy called Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) can help people recover from patellar instability (when the kneecap slips out of place). You could be eligible if you are between 14 and 40 years old and have been diagnosed with patellar instability by a doctor or physical therapist. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either standard physical therapy alone, or standard physical therapy plus BFRT. BFRT uses a cuff on the thigh to temporarily limit blood flow, which may help muscles recover strength faster. The main goal is to see if BFRT improves your knee stability and function, measured by a special scale at the start, 5 weeks, and 9 weeks into the study. The study is currently recruiting 78 participants, but the overall status is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study where 78 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups.
- What's involved
- Participants will undergo 8 weeks of either Blood Flow Restriction Training or Sham Blood Flow Restriction Training, along with a standardized physical therapy program. Measurements will be taken at the start, 5 weeks, and 9 weeks.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Your knee stability will be measured at 9 weeks after the start of the study.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Blood Flow Restriction Training After Patellar INStability
At a glance
Conditions
NCT04554212
Where you'd take part
This study runs at 4 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.
Center for Sports Performance and Research
Foxborough, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed
Recruiting
Foxboro Sports Medicine Clinic
Foxborough, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed
Recruiting
UK Healthcare at Turfland
Lexington, Kentuckystudy coordinator listed
Recruiting
University of Kentucky Biomotion Laboratory
Lexington, Kentuckystudy coordinator listed
Recruiting
Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.
Study leadership
- Caitlin Conley, PhD · STUDY_DIRECTOR · University of Kentucky
Who to contact
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- The Norwich Patellar Instability ScaleBaseline
The Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) Scale is a 19-item scale that asks subjects to rate their perceived patellar instability during different tasks, and has been demonstrated to be a valid and responsive tool for assessing patient-reported outcomes for those being treated conservatively or surgically following patellar dislocation. The NPI is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores being indicative of less perceived instability
- The Norwich Patellar Instability Scale5 Weeks
The Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) Scale is a 19-item scale that asks subjects to rate their perceived patellar instability during different tasks, and has been demonstrated to be a valid and responsive tool for assessing patient-reported outcomes for those being treated conservatively or surgically following patellar dislocation. The NPI is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores being indicative of less perceived instability
- The Norwich Patellar Instability Scale9 Weeks
The Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) Scale is a 19-item scale that asks subjects to rate their perceived patellar instability during different tasks, and has been demonstrated to be a valid and responsive tool for assessing patient-reported outcomes for those being treated conservatively or surgically following patellar dislocation. The NPI is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores being indicative of less perceived instability
- The Norwich Patellar Instability Scale6 Months
The Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) Scale is a 19-item scale that asks subjects to rate their perceived patellar instability during different tasks, and has been demonstrated to be a valid and responsive tool for assessing patient-reported outcomes for those being treated conservatively or surgically following patellar dislocation. The NPI is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores being indicative of less perceived instability
- The Norwich Patellar Instability Scale12 Months
The Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) Scale is a 19-item scale that asks subjects to rate their perceived patellar instability during different tasks, and has been demonstrated to be a valid and responsive tool for assessing patient-reported outcomes for those being treated conservatively or surgically following patellar dislocation. The NPI is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores being indicative of less perceived instability
- Quadriceps Strength Symmetry1 Week
Isokinetic Dynamometer will be used. The primary analysis may include the comparison of these observations over multiple time points, with a particular interest in whether there are between-group or within-patient differences.
- Quadriceps Strength Symmetry5 Weeks
Isokinetic Dynamometer will be used. The primary analysis may include the comparison of these observations over multiple time points, with a particular interest in whether there are between-group or within-patient differences.
- Quadriceps Strength Symmetry9 Weeks
Isokinetic Dynamometer will be used. The primary analysis may include the comparison of these observations over multiple time points, with a particular interest in whether there are between-group or within-patient differences.
- Quadriceps Strength Symmetry6 Months
Isokinetic Dynamometer will be used. The primary analysis may include the comparison of these observations over multiple time points, with a particular interest in whether there are between-group or within-patient differences.
- Quadriceps Strength Symmetry12 Months
Isokinetic Dynamometer will be used. The primary analysis may include the comparison of these observations over multiple time points, with a particular interest in whether there are between-group or within-patient differences.
- MRI T1rho1 Week
Increased T1rho relaxation times have been associated with loss of proteoglycan content. This then corresponds with MRI changes associated with the loss of proteoglycan content. Patients with patellofemoral pain and maltracking have been demonstrated to have significantly greater T1rho relaxation times in the lateral facet of the patella when compared to healthy volunteers.
- MRI T1rho12 Months
Increased T1rho relaxation times have been associated with loss of proteoglycan content. This then corresponds with MRI changes associated with the loss of proteoglycan content. Patients with patellofemoral pain and maltracking have been demonstrated to have significantly greater T1rho relaxation times in the lateral facet of the patella when compared to healthy volunteers.