| Aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of ESWT on pain, symptoms and function, in athletes with patellar tendinopathy (in an early stage of the disease) who are still able to train and compete. Research questions Does patient guided, focused ESWT treatment lead to pain reduction and recovery of function in athletes with patellar tendinopathy who are still able to train and compete when compared to placebo ESWT treatment? Patellar tendinopathy is a major problem for many athletes, especially those involved in jumping activities. Despite its frequency and negative impact on athletic careers, no evidence-based guidelines for management of this overuse injury exist. Since functional outcomes of conservative and surgical treatments remain suboptimal, new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have to be developed and evaluated. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) appears to be a promising treatment in patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy, referred to a sports medicine department after other conservative treatments had failed. Its effectiveness has not been studied in athletes who keep playing sports despite having patellar tendon pain.Aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of ESWT in athletes with patellar tendinopathy who are still able to train and compete. In a double blinded randomised controlled trial the effectiveness of patient guided focussed ESWT treatment (compared to placebo ESWT) on pain reduction and recovery of function in athletes with patellar tendinopathy will be investigated. This project, conducted by closely cooperating professionals from different LOSO-research centers and Sports Medicine Institutes will contribute to a better understanding of how to treat patellar tendinopathy at an early stage. Findings from this study will be used to develop new guidelines for a more successful management of (patellar) tendinopathy and will be shared with the many practitioners who are involved in the treatment of patients with patellar tendinopathy. Knowledge will also be transferred to other professionals and athletes by means of a recently established tendon research group and its website (www.tendinopathy.nl) and by means of educational activities of the NEVOBO and NBB. |
