Research summary · Recovery and rehabilitation
Progressive eccentric loading and balance in patellar tendinopathy
Forty athletes with patellar tendinopathy were randomized to usual sports participation or an additional 12-week programme of progressively loaded eccentric decline squats.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Randomized controlled trial
- Journal
- Journal of ISAKOS
- Population / context
- Volleyball · Basketball · Handball
What the publication reports
Thirty participants completed analysis after ten withdrawals. The exercise group improved balance measures, quadriceps strength and pain-related scores compared with its baseline, whereas the control group did not show these improvements.
Limits and interpretation
Attrition reduced the sample by one quarter. Reported within-group improvements should not be confused with precise between-group effect estimates, and the trial did not establish fewer subsequent injuries or durable return-to-sport benefits.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Progressive tendon-loading eccentric exercise therapy in athletes with patellar tendinopathy improves postural control, quadriceps strength, and pain: A randomized clinical trial
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 41905494DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2026.101105Full text at the sourceReader discussion
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