29 January 2026 : Clinical Research
Low-Intensity Blood Flow-Restricted Multi-Joint Exercise Improves Muscle Function in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
Jejeong Lee BCE 1, Hyeokhyeon Kwon ABCDE 1, Yongwoo Lee
ACD 2*
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.950516
Med Sci Monit 2026; 32:e950516
Table 1 Structure and application of low-intensity multi-joint exercise protocol.
| Details | Reps/sets | Rest time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knee extension | The participant sat on a treatment table with the hip and knee flexed at 90°. An elastic resistance band was attached to the ankle, and the participant slowly extended the knee while the pelvis remained in contact with the table. After full extension, the leg was slowly returned to the starting position | First set, ×30Second to fourth sets, ×15 | Between sets, 30 s.Between exercises, 2 min. |
| Hip abduction | In the side-lying position, the bottom leg was slightly flexed, and the top leg remained straight. With an elastic band wrapped around the top leg, the participant lifted the leg approximately 30° vertically while maintaining 5° of external rotation. Care was taken to avoid trunk rotation throughout the movement | First set, ×30Second to fourth sets, ×15 | Between sets, 30 s.Between exercises, 2 min. |
| Hip external rotation | From a side-lying position with both the hip and knee joints flexed to approximately 45°, the participant externally rotated the upper knee while keeping the feet together. Special attention was paid to prevent pelvic rotation during the movement | First set, ×30Second to fourth sets, ×15 | Between sets, 30 s.Between exercises, 2 min. |
| Squat | The participant began in a standing position with feet shoulder-width apart. An elastic band was positioned around the distal thighs. The participant slowly squatted by flexing the knees to approximately 30°, pushing the hips backward as if sitting down, and then returning to a standing position. Care was taken to ensure that the knees did not move past the toes | First set, ×30Second to fourth sets, ×15 | Between sets, 30 s.Between exercises, 2 min. |