EFFECTIVENESS OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION THERAPY ON TENDERNESS DORSIFEXION OF ANKLE JOINT FOOT PRONATION PLANTER ARCHES FOOT POSTURE and SEVERITY OF CONDITIONS IN PATIENTS WITH ACHILLES TENDINITIS

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common lower limb condition characterized by localized tendon pain and swelling due to mechanical loading. It often affects the midportion or insertional part of the tendon and is typically diagnosed clinically, with pain on tendon-loading and palpation as key criteria.

Conventional treatments for AT include eccentric exercises and heavy slow resistance training, which are effective in reducing symptoms and improving tendon structure. However, blood flow restriction training (BFRT)—a method combining low-load resistance training with restricted blood flow—has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly for individuals unable to perform high-load exercises.

BFRT enhances muscle hypertrophy and strength through physiological mechanisms like hypoxia, metabolite accumulation, and fast-twitch muscle recruitment, offering comparable outcomes to high-intensity training with less joint stress.

Despite its increasing use in rehabilitation, research on BFRT’s effects specifically on Achilles tendinopathy is limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BFRT on tenderness, ankle dorsiflexion, foot pronation, and plantar arches in individuals with AT