This study aims to evaluate the acute effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on hypoalgesia and neuromuscular responses in patients with severe gonarthrosis by comparing the application of pressure with a dynamic versus a fixed configuration. There will be six different training conditions with varying levels of blood flow occlusion (%BFR) and percentage of load (%RM): 1) 30% RM and 50% BFR with dynamic pressure; 2) 30% RM and 50% BFR with fixed pressure; 3) 50% RM and 50% BFR with dynamic pressure; 4) 50% RM and 50% BFR with fixed pressure; 5) 30% RM and 80% BFR with dynamic pressure; 6) 30% RM and 80% BFR with fixed pressure.
Each participant will complete six individual sessions under different training conditions, assigned in a random order with a 72-hour interval between each session.
Age between 50 and 85 years
Diagnosis of severe gonarthrosis according to the clinical and radiographic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology guidelines.
On the waiting list for unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) surgery
Pain in the contralateral leg with an intensity ≥80/100 mm on the visual analog scale (VAS) during daily activities.
Previous hip or knee replacement surgery and osteotomy within the last year.
Autoimmune arthritis
Medical conditions that contraindicate exercise.
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Treatment groupsSee each treatment group below.