Effectiveness of progressive tendon-loading exercise therapy in patients with patellar tendinopathy: a randomised clinical trial.
Stephan J Breda, Edwin H G Oei, Johannes Zwerver...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33219115Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 50Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID06729437
Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Functionality and Pain in Individuals with Patellar Tendinopathy: Randomized Clinical Trial
Led by University of Valencia · Updated on 2025-02-28
42
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with a therapeutic eccentric exercise program on pain and functionality in adults with patellar tendinopathy, a painful knee condition. This randomized clinical trial compares two groups: one receiving real tDCS plus exercise and another receiving sham tDCS plus the same exercise program. The goal is to understand if adding tDCS can improve outcomes related to pain, muscle activity, strength, proprioception, and quality of life. Participants will undergo an 8-week intervention with supervised eccentric exercises three times per week led by a physiotherapist. The experimental group receives real tDCS at 1.5 mA for 20 minutes applied to the primary motor cortex during exercise sessions for the first 4 weeks, while the control group receives sham tDCS with current stopped after 30 seconds. Both groups also perform additional unsupervised eccentric exercises on other weekdays at home. Assessments occur at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. During the study, participants will be evaluated through measures of knee functionality, pain intensity, muscle strength, electromyographic activity, muscle flexibility and tone, proprioception, health-related quality of life, and the patient's global perception of change. The research team will monitor progress and outcomes to assess the combined impact of tDCS and eccentric exercise, with total participation covering 12 weeks including follow-up assessments.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Functionality and Pain in Individuals with Patellar Tendinopathy
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 50Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 50 years
- Diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy with a VISA-P score of 80 or lower
- Pain lasting more than 3 months
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous knee surgery
- Corticosteroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
- Systemic inflammatory, autoimmune, or rheumatic diseases
- Cognitive or behavioural issues that hinder comprehension and adherence
- Any neurological disease
- Neoplastic disease
- Contraindications for tDCS including epilepsy history, metallic implants in the head, implanted medication pump, pacemaker, recurrent headaches, skin conditions, major head surgeries, pregnancy, heart diseases, and certain medications
- Pharmacological treatment or knee physical rehabilitation in the past year
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants undergo an 8-week intervention involving supervised eccentric exercise sessions three times per week. During the first 4 weeks, participants receive either real or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) prior to exercise sessions. Additionally, participants perform unsupervised eccentric exercises on remaining weekdays at home.
3 supervised sessions per week for 8 weeks
Follow-up
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants are evaluated for outcomes related to pain, functionality, muscle strength, proprioception, and quality of life after completing the intervention.
Assessments at week 12
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia
Valencia, Valencia, Spain, 46022
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
M
Marta Inglés, Dr
E
Elena Muñoz-Gómez, Dr
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Paulo E P Teixeira, Laila Alawdah, Hassan Adam A Alhassan...
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Håvard Visnes, Aasne Hoksrud, Jill Cook...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16003036