Jump Landing Mechanics and Lower Limb Strength and Flexibility of Athletes with and without Patellar Tendinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Blind Study
Tendon; Tendinitis; Knee; Pain; Biomechanics.
Patellar tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal dysfunction in athletes and it is considered an important cause of physical disability. The aim of this cross-sectional observational study is to evaluate the jump landing mechanics, hip extensors, knee extensors and flexors, and ankle plantar flexors strength, as well as flexibility of the quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps sural muscles of athletes with and without patellar tendinopathy. Thirty-two athletes will be recruited for this study, divided into two groups: Patellar Tendinopathy Group (GTP; n = 16) and Control Group (CG; n = 16). Initially, the level of physical activity, function and severity of symptoms (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment –Patella – VISA-P) will be evaluated. Knee pain will be evaluated during the single-leg decline squat task using the Visual Analogue Scale. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) will be used to evaluate the jump-landing mechanics. A handheld dynamometer will be used for the assessment of isometric strength of the hip extensors, knee extensors, knee flexors and ankle plantar flexors during maximal isometric contractions. For the assessment of quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae flexibility, a gravity inclinometer will be used. For data analysis, the t Student test for independent variables will be used, if the variables are normally distributed. If the variables are non-parametric, the Mann-Whitney test will be used. The Pearson or Spearman tests will also be used to verify correlations between the variables. For all tests, a significance level of 5% will be considered.