Immediate effect of infrapatellar strap on pain and jump height in patellar tendinopathy among young athletes

Background: Infrapatellar strapping is a treatment technique used in various knee pathologies; however, its effect on pain and functional performance among young athletes has not been studied. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of infrapatellar strap on pain and jumping performance among young athletes diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy. Study design: Pre-/post-test (within-subject research design). Methods: A total of 16 young male basketball and volleyball athletes (age range, 12–18 years) diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy were included in the study. Infrapatellar strap was applied beneath the patella, over the patellar tendon. The athletes performed four jumping tests: squat jump, drop jump, single-leg jump, and jumps 30 s test, with and without the strap. Pain severity in the symptomatic knee during jumping was assessed using a visual analog scale and jumping performance parameters were assessed using an Optojump Next optical measurement system. Results: Pain severity reported by the participants decreased in drop test, single-leg jump test, and jumps 30 s test while using the infrapatellar strap compared with no strap condition (p < 0.05). No significant difference in jumping performance was found between jumping with and without the strap. Conclusion: The infrapatellar strap was effective in reducing local pain among young male athletes without altered jumping performance. Clinical relevance: The infrapatellar strap can be recommended to use during physical activity as part of the physical therapy treatments for patellar tendinopathy. Given the low cost, ease to use, and being a non-invasive method without adverse effects, it is an appropriate intervention for young athletes.