| Summary: | A non-concurrent multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the effects of a
6-week eccentric exercise program (EEP) on self-ratings of knee pain (intensity
& unpleasantness), self-ratings of knee function, measures of isokinetic and
isometric quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle strength, and daily activity
levels in four patients with chronic patellar tendinitis (CPT). Patients (3 female, 1
male, mean age 23.75 yrs) diagnosed with CPT provided informed consent to
participate in this study. Repeated measures consisted of the: Descriptor
Differential Scale, Knee Function Visual Analogue Scale, Kin Com isokinetic
dynamometer for measures of isometric peak force of the quadriceps femoris
and hamstrings of the affected and unaffected lower extremities, and Daily
Activity Levels. Periodic isokinetic average torque measures of the quadriceps
femoris and hamstrings of both lower extremities were also collected. The EEP
consisted of a warm-up, stretching of the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings,
progressive "drop squats", repeated stretching, and icing of the affected knee.
Results were analyzed visually and statistically (C-statistic). Results of this study
indicated reductions in ratings of intensity of knee pain (n=3) and ratings of
unpleasantness of knee pain (n=2), improved ratings of knee function (n=3),
increased isometric peak force of the quadriceps femoris of the affected side
(n=4) and the unaffected side (n=3), minimal change in isometric peak force of
the hamstrings of the affected and unaffected sides, and inconsistent changes
in daily activity levels. Generally, isokinetic concentric and eccentric average
torque increased for the quadriceps femoris of the affected and unaffected
sides, however, minimal change occurred for the hamstrings of the affected and
unaffected sides. The EEP appears to have clinical benefit for patients with
CPT, however, due to the long-term nature of chronic tendinopathy, it appears
the EEP may need to be applied for longer durations.
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