Clinical Research Directory

Effects of HMB and Rehabilitation Program in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates the effects of oral beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation combined with an eccentric exercise and extracorporeal shockwave rehabilitation program on pain, tendon morphology, and neuromuscular performance in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Thirty athletes with a confirmed diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy are randomized to receive either HMB supplementation (3 g/day) or placebo during an 8-week rehabilitation program. Participants are evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The primary outcome is pain and functional limitation assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include patellar tendon thickness measured by ultrasound imaging, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and neuromuscular performance variables derived from an incremental squat test using a linear position transducer. The aim of the study is to determine whether HMB supplementation enhances clinical recovery and neuromuscular performance when combined with a standardized rehabilitation program compared with placebo.

Early Implementation of Plyometric Exercises in the Rehabilitation of Individuals Suffering From Lower-Extremity Tendinopathies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of an early plyometric exercise approach with traditional heavy, slow resistance training in treating tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and plantar fascia. These conditions, commonly seen in general and rheumatology practices, cause pain, reduced function, and stiffness, often leading to prolonged recovery and incomplete return to full physical activity. The study hypothesizes that introducing plyometric exercises early in rehabilitation will improve jump function after 12 weeks and reduce re-injury rates within 52 weeks compared to traditional methods. The study is a randomized clinical trial including 120 participants aged 18-50 with tendinopathy in one of the targeted areas. Participants must regularly engage in running or jumping sports, have symptoms for at least three months, and meet other inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria include recent surgery or specific medical conditions. Both groups will perform exercises three times weekly for 12 weeks, tailored to their tendinopathy. The intervention group will add progressive plyometric exercises to the standard strength training performed by the control group. Plyometric training will consist of three levels, with patients self-assessing readiness to progress. The primary outcome is the change in the plyometric quotient, a measure of functional ability, based on a jump test using a force platform at 0 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include dynamic strength, jump height, patient-reported symptoms (via questionnaires), return to sport, training compliance, adverse events, pain thresholds, re-injury rates, and psychological readiness for sports. Assessments will occur at baseline, 12 weeks, and 52 weeks.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Functionality and Pain in Individuals with Patellar Tendinopathy

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) prior to a therapeutic eccentric exercise program on parameters related to pain and functionality in individuals with patellar tendinopathy. For this purpose, participants will be randomly divided into two groups: i) experimental group, receiving tDCS prior to a therapeutic exercise program; and ii) control group, receiving sham tDCS and a therapeutic exercise program. The interventions will last for 8 weeks. Additionally, four assessments will be conducted (baseline, week 4, week 8 and week 12). The variables studied are related to pain, functionality, muscle activity and strength, proprioception, and quality of life.

Efficacy of the Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in addition to eccentric exercise on the clinical outcomes of PT in the treatment of athletes with patellar tendinopathy (PT). Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group will receive focus ESWT 3 times a week in addition to 6 weeks of exercise. The control group will be given 6 weeks of exercise. Evaluations will be made at the 3rd and 6th weeks, and at the 3rd, 6th and 12th months. Patient evaluation will begin with obtaining sociodemographic information. Patients' pain level will be assessed using visual analog scale (VAS), tendon pain and function VISA-P, functional capacity; The patients will be assessed with the maximal vertical jump test (MDS), single leg jump distance test (SLHD), single leg squat test (STS) on the incline board, pain catastrophe with the pain catastrophe scale (PCS), kinesiophobia with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), quality of life short form-12 (SF-12) and physical activity level with the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS).

Influence of Restitution Time in Treatment of Patellar Tendinopathy

The purpose of the present project is to investigate if the restitution time from loading in an exercise-based 12 weeks rehabilitation regime for patellar tendinopathy influences the clinical outcome, tendon structure and function. The investigators hypothesize that greater restitution from loading (1 exercise day per week) will yield a greater positive clinical outcome, and tissue structure and function in patients with patellar tendinopathy compared to less restitution (3 exercise days per week), when impact activities are restricted in both groups.

Effect of Collagen/Vitamin C in Jumper's Knee; a RCT

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a tendon overuse injury with high prevalence rates in elite and recreational athletes. PT sometimes results in a prolonged absence from sport participation, hampering individuals to achieve their desired performance levels and to benefit from the health related effects of sports participation. Many treatment options are used but management of PT remains challenging. Current treatment involves progressive education, load management and tendon loading exercises (PTLE). Recent studies have shown that nutrition can positively affect collagen synthesis in musculoskeletal tissues. A study showed that supplementing 15g of gelatine combined with 50mg of Vitamin C, 1 hour before loading exercises, resulted in an increase in whole body collagen synthesis and increased mechanics and collagen content of human engineered ligaments. However the effectiveness of oral supplementation of hydrolysed collagen in combination with vitamin C in athletes with PT has not been studied in a randomized controlled trial yet. Objective: The primary aim of this RCT is to evaluate whether the use of oral supplementation of hydrolysed collagen/vitamin C in addition to usual care (education, load management and PTLE) is superior to usual care and placebo on VISA-P score after 12, 24 and 52 weeks for athletes with PT. The secondary aim of this RCT is to evaluate whether the use of oral supplementation of hydrolysed collagen/vitamin C in addition to usual care (education, load management and PTLE) is superior to usual care and placebo on other clinical outcome parameters, functional tests and tendon structure after 12 and 24 weeks for athletes with PT.