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Comparative study of two protocols of eccentric exercise on knee pain and function in athletes with patellar tendinopathy: randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION: The eccentric squat on a slope has been proved effective in conservative treatment of patellar tendinopathy, especially in the athletic population. However, several aspects such as intensity and pain during therapy still differ among authors. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of two protocols of eccentric exercise (performed with and without pain), in the improvement of knee function and pain intensity in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: 7 athletes of both genders with diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy were selected and randomly assigned to two treatment groups. The first group of volunteers performed eccentric squat exercises on a slope with pain in the patellar tendon. The second group of volunteers was instructed to perform the same exercise, but without presenting pain in the patellar tendon during performance. The treatment lasted 12 weeks and the evaluation of pain and function was performed by the VISA-P and VAS before starting treatment, at eight weeks of intervention, and at treatment completion. RESULTS: There was improvement in both groups when results of evaluations carried out after eight and 12 weeks of beginning of the treatment were compared with the initial evaluation; however, no significant difference between the group that performed exercise with pain and the group that performed exercises without pain was found. Analysis of the probability of obtaining clinical improvement for VISA and VAS scores at eight and 12 weeks, there was no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A program of eccentric exercise on an inclined plane using squat, performed with or without the presence of pain, was effective in improving pain and function in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

patellar tendon; rehabilitation; sports


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