Blood Flow Restriction Training in Women With Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (BFR-PTTD)

August 1, 2026 updated by: Hajar Mohammed Edris, May University in Cairo

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Dynamic Postural Stability and Proprioception in Post-Menopausal Women With Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a progressive musculoskeletal disorder that affects the integrity and function of the posterior tibial tendon, leading to pain, impaired foot support, decreased postural stability, and functional limitations. As one of the most common causes of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity, PTTD can substantially interfere with walking, balance, and other daily activities. The condition is particularly prevalent among middle-aged and older women. In postmenopausal women, age-related declines in muscle strength, tendon quality, and neuromuscular function may further compromise lower-limb stability and physical performance.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation technique in which low-load resistance exercise is performed while a pneumatic cuff applies controlled pressure to the proximal portion of the limb. By partially restricting blood flow during exercise, this approach enables individuals to achieve training adaptations that are typically associated with higher exercise intensities while using considerably lower loads. Although BFR has shown encouraging results in the rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal conditions, its effectiveness in individuals with PTTD, particularly postmenopausal women, has not been adequately investigated.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of a rehabilitation program incorporating blood flow restriction training with those of a conventional rehabilitation exercise program in postmenopausal women with Stage I or flexible Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups.

Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be dynamic postural stability, measured using the Biodex Balance System. Secondary outcomes will include active and passive ankle joint position sense assessed using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer

The findings of this study are expected to expand the current evidence regarding the use of blood flow restriction training in the rehabilitation of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. They may also help guide future evidence-based rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving functional outcomes and postural stability in postmenopausal women with this condition.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
54

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

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

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Blood Flow Restriction Group
Participants receive a conventional physical therapy program combined with blood flow restriction. Training
Device: Blood Flow Restriction Training
Low-load Resistance exercise performed with a pneumatic cuff applied to the proximal lower extremities
Other Names:
  • BFR
Behavioral: Conventional Physical Therapy Program
Strengthening Exercises and ankle support
Other Names:
  • CPT
Active Comparator: Conventional Physical Therapy Group
Participants receive the same exercise program without blood flow restriction
Behavioral: Conventional Physical Therapy Program
Strengthening Exercises and ankle support
Other Names:
  • CPT

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Overall Stability Index (OSI)
Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
The Overall Stability Index (OSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System. The OSI quantifies the overall variance of platform displacement from level during static balance testing and is expressed in degrees. Lower OSI values indicate better postural stability.
Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Anteroposterior Stability Index (APSI)
Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
The Anteroposterior Stability Index (APSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System. APSI quantifies postural sway in the sagittal (anteroposterior) plane during static balance testing and is expressed in degrees. Lower APSI values indicate better balance control in the anteroposterior direction.
Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Mediolateral Stability Index (MLSI)
Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
The Mediolateral Stability Index (MLSI) will be measured using the Biodex Balance System. MLSI quantifies postural sway in the frontal (mediolateral) plane during static balance testing and is expressed in degrees. Lower MLSI values indicate better balance control in the mediolateral direction.
Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Limits of stability (LOS)
Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Limits of Stability (LOS) will be assessed using the Biodex Balance System SD. LOS evaluates the participant's ability to voluntarily shift the center of gravity toward predefined targets while maintaining postural control. Performance is expressed as an overall percentage score (%), with higher values indicating better dynamic balance and postural control.
Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Active Ankle Joint Position Sense
Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Active ankle joint position sense will be assessed using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer during an active joint reposition test in the sagittal plane. The outcome is expressed as the absolute angular repositioning error in degrees (°). Lower values indicate better proprioceptive accuracy.
Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Passive Ankle Joint Position Sense
Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Passive ankle joint position sense will be assessed using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer during a passive joint repositioning test in the sagittal plane. The outcome is expressed as the absolute angular repositioning error in degrees (°). Lower values indicate better proprioceptive accuracy.
Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
May University in Cairo

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
August 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
September 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
October 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
July 28, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
August 1, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
August 6, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
August 6, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
August 1, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
August 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • MUC

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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