Blood Flow Restriction Training in Women With Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

In brief

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, impaired foot function, and reduced dynamic stability. As one of the primary causes of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity, it can significantly affect walking ability, balance, and overall performance of daily activities. Although conventional rehabilitation typically emphasizes strengthening the posterior tibial tendon and surrounding muscles, these interventions may not fully address deficits in neuromuscular control and postural stability, highlighting the need for additional therapeutic approaches. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether incorporating blood flow restriction (BFR) training into a rehabilitation program provides additional benefits for postmenopausal women with Stage I or flexible Stage II PTTD. A total of 54 eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either a BFR training group or a conventional exercise group. Clinical outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention, including dynamic postural stability measured with the Biodex Balance System and active and passive ankle joint position sense assessed using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07750106

Run by

May University in Cairo

People needed

54

Starts

2026-08-01

Expected to finish

2026-10-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-08-06

Who can join

Age: 40 and older, up to 55. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Female post-menopausal women aged 40-55 years.
• Clinically diagnosed with Stage I or flexible Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction according to the Johnson and Strom classification modified by Myerson confirmed by an orthopedic physician.
• Symptoms persisting for ≥ 3 months.
• Pain intensity of ≥3/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during weight-bearing activities.
• Medically cleared to participate in blood flow restriction resistance training.
• Symptoms located at the medial ankle or foot.
• Pain on palpation of the posterior tibial tendon.
• A positive double and/or single heel-rise test.
• Able to walk independently without assistive devices
• Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and <24.9 kg/m².
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if…

• Rigidity of the hindfoot.
• Pain on palpation of the fibular muscles.
• History of corticosteroid injection in the tendon in a one-month period prior to the study onset.
• History of surgery to the hindfoot and/or ankle.
• History of previous surgeries to the musculoskeletal structures (i.e., bones, joint structures, nerves) in either limb of the lower extremities.
• History of a fracture in either limb of the lower extremities requiring realignment.
• Acute injury to musculoskeletal structures of other joints of the lower extremity in the previous three months, which impacted joint integrity and function (i.e., sprains, fractures) resulting in interruption of desired physical activity.
• Hip joint or knee joint replacement.
• Patients who were possibly at risk of adverse reactions of blood flow restriction (i.e., poor circulatory system, obesity, diabetes, arterial calcification, sickle cell trait, severe hypertension, or renal failure).
• Any neurological conditions that affect proprioception, such as polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and sensory ataxia.
• Vestibular deficits and vision problems.

Where it is running

• Faculty of Physical Therapy, May University in Cairo — Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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