Presence of Pain Shows Greater Effect Than Tendon Structural Alignment During Landing Dynamics

Presence of Pain Shows Greater Effect Than Tendon Structural Alignment During Landing Dynamics

The goal of this observational study is to investigate the relationship between temporal, kinetic, and kinematic jump variables and patellar tendons' structure in athletes. The main research questions are:

Does the structure of the patellar tendon relate to the temporal, kinetic, and kinematic variables of different jumps?

To answer these questions, participants will undergo a UTC (Ultrasound Tissue Characterization) scan of the patellar tendon and perform two vertical jump: a countermovement jump and tuck jump test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged between 18-30 years;
• competing in the highest-level Portuguese volleyball league with a minimum of 10 years of volleyball practice.

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence of injuries or discomfort that impeded maximal jumping tests;
• history of surgery within the last 12 months;
• illness during data collection