Study of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Eccentric Exercise to Improve Pain and Function in Adults with Patellar Tendinopathy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS combined with a therapeutic eccentric exercise program in people with patellar tendinopathy, a painful condition affecting the front of the knee. This randomized clinical trial compares two groups one receiving real tDCS plus exercise and the other receiving sham tDCS plus exercise. The study aims to understand how these treatments affect pain, functionality, muscle strength, proprioception, and quality of life. Participants will engage in an 8-week program involving supervised eccentric exercise sessions three times per week with a physiotherapist, plus additional unsupervised exercises at home on other weekdays. The experimental group will receive real tDCS applied at 1.5 mA for 20 minutes to the primary motor cortex during the first four weeks of exercise sessions. The control group will receive sham tDCS where the current is stopped after 30 seconds. Assessments are planned at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. During the study, participants will be evaluated on knee functionality, pain intensity, quality of life, muscle strength and activity, muscle flexibility, tone, proprioception, and their overall perception of change. These assessments will involve various tests lasting from 1 to 10 minutes. The trial is designed to monitor progress and treatment effects over 12 weeks, including four scheduled assessment points.

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