ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Superior results with eccentric compared to concentric quadriceps training in patients with jumper’s knee: a prospective randomised study

P Jonsson and H Alfredson

Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Sports Medicine, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, National Institute for Working Life, University of Umeå, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Per Jonsson
RPT, Sports Medicine Unit, University of Umeå, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; per.jonsson{at}idrott.umu.se

Background: A recent study reported promising clinical results using eccentric quadriceps training on a decline board to treat jumper’s knee (patellar tendinosis).

Methods: In this prospective study, athletes (mean age 25 years) with jumper’s knee were randomised to treatment with either painful eccentric or painful concentric quadriceps training on a decline board. Fifteen exercises were repeated three times, twice daily, 7 days/week, for 12 weeks. All patients ceased sporting activities for the first 6 weeks. Age, height, weight, and duration of symptoms were similar between groups. Visual analogue scales (VAS; patient estimation of pain during exercise) and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) scores, before and after treatment, and patient satisfaction, were used for evaluation.

Results: In the eccentric group, for 9/10 tendons patients were satisfied with treatment, VAS decreased from 73 to 23 (p<0.005), and VISA score increased from 41 to 83 (p<0.005). In the concentric group, for 9/9 tendons patients were not satisfied, and there were no significant differences in VAS (from 74 to 68, p<0.34) and VISA score (from 41 to 37, p<0.34). At follow up (mean 32.6 months), patients in the eccentric group were still satisfied and sports active, but all patients in the concentric group had been treated surgically or by sclerosing injections.

Conclusions: In conclusion, eccentric, but not concentric, quadriceps training on a decline board, seems to reduce pain in jumper’s knee. The study aimed to include 20 patients in each group, but was stopped at the half time control because of poor results achieved in the concentric group.

Abbreviations: PGE₂, prostaglandin E₂; US, ultrasonography; VAS, visual analogue scale; VISA, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment

Keywords: concentric exercise; eccentric exercise; jumper’s knee; tendon

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