Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Revista Fisioterapia Invasiva / Journal of Invasive Techniques in Physical Therapy 2019; 02(01): 18-28
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1685232
Original Article | Artículo Original
Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Relationship between the Anteroposterior Diameter of the Patellar Tendon, Pain and Functionality in Volleyball Players – An Observational Study

Article in several languages: English | español
Alfonso Calvo Gonell
1   Centro de Fisioterapia Alfonso Calvo, Castellón, Spain
,
Loreto Macia Soler
2   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
,
Joaquin Moncho
3   Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 April 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To determine whether the anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the patellar tendon in volleyball players is associated with a greater sensation of pain and decreased functionality.

Material and Methods A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study conducted on volleyball players. The scores on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Patella (VISA-P) scale were registered, together with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the AP diameter of the patellar tendon, at 5 and at 10 mm distal to the inferior pole of the patella. The demographic, anthropometric and playing characteristics were registered and multiple linear regression models were constructed in order to analyze the relationship between the study variables.

Results The final sample comprised 112 players. The AP diameter was greater in men and showed a positive significant association with the score on the VAS scale and a negative significant association with the VISA-P for both tendons after adjusting for the remaining variables.

Conclusions The measurement of the AP diameter of the patellar tendon may be useful for the prevention of sports injuries in volleyball players as a greater tendon diameter is significantly associated with increased perceived pain and decreased functionality. Future studies should include a biomechanical analysis of jump and reception techniques.