Patellar TendinitisNCT07356596
Lower-Extremity Strength and Power in Elite Hockey Players With and Without Patellar Tendinopathy
An observational study of Patellar Tendinitis, run by Linnaeus University at 1 site in Sweden.
Trial summary
This study aims to identify differences in lower-extremity strength and power between elite ice hockey players with and without patellar tendinopathy using unilateral and bilateral comparisons. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Patellar Tendinitis
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSweden
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 23 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Study population: Twenty-eight male players from the Swedish Hockey League (age: 25 ± 4.6 years; body mass index: 25.5 ± 2.0) participate in this study. Based on ultrasound findings, players are classified as healthy (HG; n = 8), unilateral patellar tendinopathy (UPTG; n = 8), or bilateral patellar tendinopathy (BPTG; n = 12). Of 35 consenting players, only those without current or prior knee injuries affecting lower-extremity function are included. A licensed physiotherapist conducts screening, excluding five players, while two additional players are excluded due to training-related injuries.
Who may be able to join
- Male
- Elite ice-hockey player
- ≥ 18 year
Who cannot join
- injuries to lower extremity that could influence test perfomance
- deviant passive and active range of motion in the knee joint
- pain in the knee during squatting, lunging, or jumping
- limping while walking
- positive patellar The Royal London Hospital Test
- palpable or visible the knee joint effusion
- positive Lachmann, varus/valgus stress test, patellar apprehension, or Murray's/Apley's test
- hypo- or atrophic quadriceps on only one side (side difference with limb symmetry index < 90%).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This study aims to identify differences in lower-extremity strength and power between elite ice hockey players with and without patellar tendinopathy using unilateral and bilateral comparisons. It applies a structured, cross-sectional methodology that combines clinical screening, performance testing, and ultrasound imaging to characterize patellar tendon structure and lower-limb function in elite hockey players. Players are objectively classified into healthy, unilateral, or bilateral patellar tendinopathy groups based on standardized ultrasound criteria. Strength and power outcomes are assessed under controlled conditions and normalized to body mass to allow fair between-group comparisons. Isokinetic concentric strength is evaluated during a split squat performed on a robotic resistance device, while peak power output is measured using a six-second all-out cycling test on a calibrated ergometer.
Read the detailed description
This study investigates whether asymptomatic structural changes impair strength and power generation in hockey players using a between-group analysis based on patellar tendon thickness. Due to a compressed training schedule, testing occurs over consecutive days under standardized conditions. On day one, players provide informed consent and complete injury screening and anthropometric assessments. Strength and power testing is conducted on days two and three by one investigator and analyzed relative to body mass, given the association between patellar tendon thickness and BMI. On day four, a blinded investigator assesses bilateral patellar tendon thickness using ultrasound. On day five, both investigators independently analyze the images. Based on tendon thickness cutoffs, players are classified into healthy, unilateral, or bilateral tendinopathy groups, followed by between-group comparisons of strength and power outcomes.
Screening protocol: A licensed physiotherapist conducts the screening using a binary checklist (yes/no). Criteria include abnormal knee range of motion, knee pain during functional tasks, limping, positive patellar or ligament tests, joint effusion, or unilateral quadriceps atrophy (limb symmetry index <90%). Any positive finding results in immediate exclusion.
Anthropometrics: Body height and body weight are measured privately using a stadiometer and electronic scale, and body mass index is calculated.
Strength testing: Isokinetic leg strength is assessed using a split squat on a robotic resistance device at a concentric speed of 1 m/s. Players perform three maximal repetitions per leg following a standardized warm-up, and peak concentric force is recorded, with the best trial used for analysis.
Power testing: Peak power output is measured using a six-second all-out cycling test on a calibrated ergometer. After a standardized warm-up, resistance is fixed, and players sprint maximally following a countdown. Peak power output is recorded.
Ultrasound examination: Patellar tendon thickness is assessed bilaterally using ultrasound according to standardized guidelines. Players lie supine with the knee flexed ~30°, and longitudinal and transverse scans are obtained. Two independent examiners analyze images, and a tendon thickness >5 mm indicates patellar tendinopathy.
- Conditions
- Patellar Tendinitis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral PT | Ice-hockey players with unilateral patellar tendinopathy | |
| Bilateral PT | Ice-hockey players with bilateral patellar tendinopathy | |
| Control | Ice-hockey players without patellar tendinopathy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Isokinetic leg strength
Isokinetic leg strength measured as the concentric peak force (Newton)
Measured: Day 2
Wattbike Peak 6 test
A six-second "all-out" peak power test on the Wattbike measured in Watt
Measured: Day 3
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion1 Mar 2025
- Study completion23 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Patellar TendinitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Linnaeus University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sofia Ryman Ryman Augustsson, Linnaeus University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07356596
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-01700-02
- Other IDs
- 2025
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 21 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ryman Augustsson S, Omdal Persson L, Pojskic H. Differences in lower-extremity strength and power between elite hockey players with and without patellar asymptomatic tendon thickening; unilateral and bilateral comparative analysis. Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Jun 1;8:1841375. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1841375. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42306127
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Lower-Extremity Strength and Power in Elite Hockey Players With and Without Patellar Tendinopathy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07356596
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025-01700-02
- Conditions
- Patellar Tendinitis
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Linnaeus UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 23 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to identify differences in lower-extremity strength and power between elite ice hockey players with and without patellar tendinopathy using unilateral and bilateral comparisons. It applies a structured, cross-sectional methodology that combines clinical screening, performance testing, and ultrasound imaging to characterize patellar tendon structure and lower-limb function in elite hockey players. Players are objectively classified into healthy, unilateral, or bilateral patellar tendinopathy groups based on standardized ultrasound criteria. Strength and power outcomes are assessed under controlled conditions and normalized to body mass to allow fair between-group comparisons. Isokinetic concentric strength is evaluated during a split squat performed on a robotic resistance device, while peak power output is measured using a six-second all-out cycling test on a calibrated ergometer.
Detailed description
This study investigates whether asymptomatic structural changes impair strength and power generation in hockey players using a between-group analysis based on patellar tendon thickness. Due to a compressed training schedule, testing occurs over consecutive days under standardized conditions. On day one, players provide informed consent and complete injury screening and anthropometric assessments. Strength and power testing is conducted on days two and three by one investigator and analyzed relative to body mass, given the association between patellar tendon thickness and BMI. On day four, a blinded investigator assesses bilateral patellar tendon thickness using ultrasound. On day five, both investigators independently analyze the images. Based on tendon thickness cutoffs, players are classified into healthy, unilateral, or bilateral tendinopathy groups, followed by between-group comparisons of strength and power outcomes.
Screening protocol: A licensed physiotherapist conducts the screening using a binary checklist (yes/no). Criteria include abnormal knee range of motion, knee pain during functional tasks, limping, positive patellar or ligament tests, joint effusion, or unilateral quadriceps atrophy (limb symmetry index <90%). Any positive finding results in immediate exclusion.
Anthropometrics: Body height and body weight are measured privately using a stadiometer and electronic scale, and body mass index is calculated.
Strength testing: Isokinetic leg strength is assessed using a split squat on a robotic resistance device at a concentric speed of 1 m/s. Players perform three maximal repetitions per leg following a standardized warm-up, and peak concentric force is recorded, with the best trial used for analysis.
Power testing: Peak power output is measured using a six-second all-out cycling test on a calibrated ergometer. After a standardized warm-up, resistance is fixed, and players sprint maximally following a countdown. Peak power output is recorded.
Ultrasound examination: Patellar tendon thickness is assessed bilaterally using ultrasound according to standardized guidelines. Players lie supine with the knee flexed ~30°, and longitudinal and transverse scans are obtained. Two independent examiners analyze images, and a tendon thickness >5 mm indicates patellar tendinopathy.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral PT | – | –Ice-hockey players with unilateral patellar tendinopathy |
| Bilateral PT | – | –Ice-hockey players with bilateral patellar tendinopathy |
| Control | – | –Ice-hockey players without patellar tendinopathy |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Twenty-eight male players from the Swedish Hockey League (age: 25 ± 4.6 years; body mass index: 25.5 ± 2.0) participate in this study. Based on ultrasound findings, players are classified as healthy (HG; n = 8), unilateral patellar tendinopathy (UPTG; n = 8), or bilateral patellar tendinopathy (BPTG; n = 12). Of 35 consenting players, only those without current or prior knee injuries affecting lower-extremity function are included. A licensed physiotherapist conducts screening, excluding five players, while two additional players are excluded due to training-related injuries.
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Male
- Elite ice-hockey player
- ≥ 18 year
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- injuries to lower extremity that could influence test perfomance
- deviant passive and active range of motion in the knee joint
- pain in the knee during squatting, lunging, or jumping
- limping while walking
- positive patellar The Royal London Hospital Test
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Isokinetic leg strength
Time frame: Day 2
Isokinetic leg strength measured as the concentric peak force (Newton)
Wattbike Peak 6 test
Time frame: Day 3
A six-second "all-out" peak power test on the Wattbike measured in Watt
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Jan 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42306127Ryman Augustsson S, Omdal Persson L, Pojskic H. Differences in lower-extremity strength and power between elite hockey players with and without patellar asymptomatic tendon thickening; unilateral and bilateral comparative analysis. Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Jun 1;8:1841375. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1841375. eCollection 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Patellar Tendinitis, run by Linnaeus University at 1 site in Sweden.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Sweden. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Isokinetic leg strength (time frame: Day 2). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07356596, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Jan 2026.