Effectiveness of Two Exercise Protocols in the Treatment of Patients With Patellar Tendinopathy

Effectiveness of Two Exercise Protocols in the Treatment of Patients With Patellar Tendinopathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Patellar tendinopathy is characterized by anterior pain in the knee, due to the great demand imposed on the extensor mechanism of the knee. Evidence shows that the most appropriate treatment for this condition is the conservative treatment, through strengthening with eccentric exercises. However, a recent editorial proposes a new treatment protocol based on concentric and eccentric exercises, with the initial prescription of isometric exercises. The hypothesis of this study is that the protocol is as good as the eccentric exercises, generating less pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with chronic unilateral patellar tendinopathy confirmed by the reproduction of the pain during the palpation test in the region of the lower pole of the patella
• presence of pain for three months or more
• both genders
• body mass index less than 30 kg/m²
• age between 18 and 40 years
• practice of physical activity on a regular basis
• pain intensity ≥ 3 points on the pain numerical rating scale in the anterior region of the knee, specifically in the region of the lower pole of the patella when performing squatting, jumping or activities with change of direction
• score < 80 points on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P)
• blazine functional scale between 1 and 3

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients who have previous pain in the knee that does not correspond to patellar tendinopathy
• previous rupture of the patellar tendon (blazin functional scale at level 4)
• previous surgery or infiltration of the patellar tendon in the last six months
• inflammatory diseases
• diabetes mellitus
• lower limbs injuries
• other chronic pain conditions that prevent exercise, such as severe hip and knee osteoarthrosis and joint fractures.