Isometric exercise induces analgesia and reduces inhibition in patellar tendinopathy

Rio E, et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine

Isometrics reduced decline-squat pain from 7.0/10 to 0.17/10, sustained 45 minutes, and increased quadriceps force output 18.7%; isotonic loading reduced pain only from 6.3 to 3.8. Striking immediate analgesia, in a very small crossover.

Population

6 volleyball players with patellar tendinopathy

Intervention

Single session: 5x45s isometric knee extension at 70% MVIC

Comparator

Isotonic contractions (crossover)

Limitations

n=6, single session, athletes with tendon (not cartilage/joint) pain; immediate outcome only.