Immediate effect of infrapatellar strap on pain and jump height in patellar tendinopathy among young athletes.

BACKGROUND:: Infrapatellar strapping is a treatment technique used in various knee pathologies; however, its effect on pain and functional performance among young athletes has not been studied.

OBJECTIVES:: To evaluate the effect of infrapatellar strap on pain and jumping performance among young athletes diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN:: Pre-/post-test (within-subject research design).

METHODS:: A total of 16 young male basketball and volleyball athletes (age range, 12-18 years) diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy were included in the study. Infrapatellar strap was applied beneath the patella, over the patellar tendon. The athletes performed four jumping tests: squat jump, drop jump, single-leg jump, and jumps 30 s test, with and without the strap. Pain severity in the symptomatic knee during jumping was assessed using a visual analog scale and jumping performance parameters were assessed using an Optojump Next optical measurement system.

RESULTS:: Pain severity reported by the participants decreased in drop test, single-leg jump test, and jumps 30 s test while using the infrapatellar strap compared with no strap condition ( p < 0.05). No significant difference in jumping performance was found between jumping with and without the strap.

CONCLUSION:: The infrapatellar strap was effective in reducing local pain among young male athletes without altered jumping performance.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The infrapatellar strap can be recommended to use during physical activity as part of the physical therapy treatments for patellar tendinopathy. Given the low cost, ease to use, and being a non-invasive method without adverse effects, it is an appropriate intervention for young athletes.