Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is an injury with a high prevalence in sports. Knowledge of risk factors is essential for developing preventive measures and rehabilitation programmes. However, risk factors associated with PT have not yet been systematically studied. This review was undertaken to identify risk factors associated with PT. The literature was systematically searched to identify articles that investigated risk factors for PT. There was no strong or moderate evidence that any investigated risk factor was associated with PT. For nine risk factors there was some evidence: weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, leg-length difference, arch height of the foot, quadriceps flexibility, hamstring flexibility, quadriceps strength and vertical jump performance. Based on the present evidence, reducing body weight, increasing upper-leg flexibility and quadriceps strength and the use of orthotics may be beneficial treatment options. However, it should be stressed that the evidence for the nine identified risk factors was only limited. Therefore, there is a clear need for high-quality studies in order to identify the exact risk factors associated with PT.
Background Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is an injury which has a high prevalence in sports, especially in those involving jumping. Because successful treatment of PT remains challenging, prevention is of utmost importance. Before effective prevention programs can be developed, it is important to identify the risk factors that play a role in the development of this injury. Objective The aim of this study was to review the literature and to identify risk factors associated with PT. Design Systematic review of the literature. Setting A search of the Pubmed, EMBASE and AMED databases was conducted to identify studies. Studies were included in the systematic review if they contained: (1) empirical research that investigated factors associated with PT; and (2) a patient group with PT and a comparison group (or tested for differences across groups in a cross-sectional survey). Assessment of risk factors The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with a methodological quality assessment list. A strength of evidence criterion was used to identify risk factors. This criterion took into account the percentage of studies that found an association for a factor and the methodological quality of these studies. Results 11 studies were included in the review investigating over 40 potential risk factors. The overall methodological quality score of the studies was low. Potential risk factors were categorised in four groups; demographics, anthropometrics, sports related factors and strength/flexibility. The present review found evidence for two risk factors for PT: waist-to-hip ratio and hip and knee flexibility. Conclusion Waist-to-hip ratio and hip and knee flexibility were identified as risk factors for PT. There is a clear need for high quality studies in order to identify the exact risk factors associated with PT.
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