An interventional study of Blood Flow Restriction Training and Conventional Physical Therapy Program in Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction, sponsored by May University in Cairo. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Egypt. Open to female participants aged 40 Years to 55 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-06.
Sponsored by May University in Cairo · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
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.
May University in Cairo is the lead sponsor of 3 studies on the registry; 2 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Periods have stopped for good: usually no period for 12 months in a row without another medical reason, sometimes confirmed by a blood test (FSH).
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Anti-inflammatory medicines such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone — not the anabolic steroids used for muscle.
Studies differ in what they allow: check which steroid medicines, routes (tablets, injections, creams, inhalers, eye drops) and doses this study accepts.
Postmenopausal
Periods have stopped for good: usually no period for 12 months in a row without another medical reason, sometimes confirmed by a blood test (FSH).
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
BMI (body mass index)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Corticosteroids (steroids)
Anti-inflammatory medicines such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone — not the anabolic steroids used for muscle.
Studies differ in what they allow: check which steroid medicines, routes (tablets, injections, creams, inhalers, eye drops) and doses this study accepts.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants receive a conventional physical therapy program combined with blood flow restriction. Training
Device: Blood Flow Restriction Training · Behavioral: Conventional Physical Therapy Program
Participants receive the same exercise program without blood flow restriction
Behavioral: Conventional Physical Therapy Program
Low-load Resistance exercise performed with a pneumatic cuff applied to the proximal lower extremities
Also known as: BFR
Strengthening Exercises and ankle support
Also known as: CPT
Overall Stability Index (OSI)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Anteroposterior Stability Index (APSI)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Mediolateral Stability Index (MLSI)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Limits of stability (LOS)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Active Ankle Joint Position Sense
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.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Passive Ankle Joint Position Sense
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.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Start is estimated for Aug 2026; primary completion for Sep 2026, 1 month later.
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Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
May University in Cairo