The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) prior to a therapeutic eccentric exercise program on parameters related to pain and functionality in individuals with patellar tendinopathy. For this purpose, participants will be randomly divided into two groups: i) experimental group, receiving tDCS prior to a therapeutic exercise program; and ii) control group, receiving sham tDCS and a therapeutic exercise program. The interventions will last for 8 weeks. Additionally, four assessments will be conducted (baseline, week 4, week 8 and week 12). The variables studied are related to pain, functionality, muscle activity and strength, proprioception, and quality of life.
Age between 18 and 50 years.
Diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P score of 80 or lower).
Pain lasting more than 3 months.
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 to the intervention.
Parallel
tDCS + Therapeutic eccentric exercise
Other interventionA direct current of 1.5 mA will be applied for 20 minutes to the primary motor cortex (M1) during each session of eccentric exercises.
Sham tDCS + Therapeutic eccentric exercise
Other interventionThe current will be interrupted after 30 seconds.
Knee functionality
The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) is a questionnaire to assess the severity of patellar tendinopathies. It consists of 8 items with a rating range from 0 to 100. The optimal state would correspond to a score of 100.
Pain intensity
The single-leg squat pain provocation test is used to monitor the response to previous loading in athletes with patella tendinopathy. A visual analogue scale (VAS) will be used to determine pain intensity during the test. A score of 0 points indicates no pain and 10 points is the worst imaginable pain.
Health-related quality of life
The EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) test is an instrument which evaluates the generic quality of life. Scores range from 0 (worst imaginable health state) to 100 (best imaginable health state).
Muscle strength
Maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors will be measured using a force sensor connected to the corresponding software (Chronojump Boscosystem). Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.
Electromyographic activity of lower limb muscles
Electromyographic activity during maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus muscles, using electromyography, will be registered.
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