Progressive tendon-loading eccentric exercise therapy in athletes with patellar tendinopathy improves postural control, quadriceps strength, and pain: A randomized clinical trial.

Study Summary

40 athletes with patellar tendinopathy were randomized to a progressively loaded eccentric exercise program or a control group that continued usual sports activities. The primary outcomes were static postural control, measured using center-of-pressure velocity under different visual and surface conditions, and dynamic postural control, measured using the Y-Balance Test. Secondary outcomes included quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contraction, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Patella (VVISAP) scores, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Overall, the results revealed that eccentric exercise improved static balance during challenging foam-surface and single-leg conditions and increased all Y-Balance Test reach measures. The program also increased quadriceps strength and reduced patellar tendon pain, suggesting that progressive eccentric decline squats can improve several functional deficits associated with patellar tendinopathy.