Clinical features of patellar tendinopathy and their implications for rehabilitation

Abstract

This study investigated the clinical features of patellar tendinopathy (PT), with focus on individuals with unilateral and bilateral PT. A cross-sectional study design was employed to compare individuals with unilateral (n = 14) or bilateral (n = 13) PT and those without PT (control, n = 31). Features assessed included thigh strength (normalized peak knee extensor torque) and flexibility (sit-and-reach and active knee extension), calf endurance (heel-rise test), ankle flexibility (dorsiflexion), alignment measures (arch height and leg length difference), and functional measures (hop for distance and 6 m hop test). Groups were matched for age and height; however, unilateral and bilateral PT h..