The effects of two different eccentric strengthening protocols on muscle strenght parameters, pain and functional levels in individuals with patellar tendinopathy

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different eccentric strengthening protocols on muscle strength, pain and functional levels in individuals with patellar tendinopathy. Twenty athletes, mean age 19.2 years, were voluntarily included in this study. Athletes were divided to two groups. Progressive-resistance eccentric exercise program was applied by using an isokinetic system for the first group and a decline board was used for the second group for 3 /week for a total of 12 weeks. Outcome measures were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity while performing a squat and a decline squat, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA-P), single leg hop test and vertical jump test for knee function and quadriceps and hamstring concentric muscle strength at 600/s ve 1800/s angular velocity by using an using an isokinetic dynamometer at baseline and at the end of training program and changes were recorded. Paired Samples t Test was applied for determining the statistical significance of pre-post treatment results within the groups and Independent t test was used for intergroup results. Intra-group analysis showed that pain intensity was decreased whereas functional level was improved for both eccentring training groups (p<0.05). Besides, for isokinetic training group one leg hop test distance (p=0.012) at 1800/s angular velocity quadriceps concentric muscle strength (p=0.013) and for decline board group at 1800/s angular velocity hamstring concentric muscle strength (p=0.016) were improved. Inter-group analysis did not showed a statistically significant difference. As a result, progressive eccentric exercise training was found to effective in reducing pain intensity, improving functional level by using both isokinetic systems and 250 decline board in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. However, changes in quadriceps, hamstring muscle strength development could not be demonstrated with 12 weeks of eccentric exercise training. When it is considering the results of symptomatic and functional we suggest that the protocol using with decline board being as practical, cheap methods for rehabilitaton programme. Key Words: patellar tendinopathy, eccentric training, pain, muscle strength.