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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07315906

Patellar Tendon Physiotheraphy Acute Effects Trial

This randomized controlled trial investigated the acute effects of different physiotherapy interventions applied to the patellar tendon. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: deep friction massage, thermal agent application, quadriceps resistance exercise, or a control group. Each intervention was delivered in a single session. Outcomes of the study included changes in skin temperature, muscle strength, flexibility, and pulse rate. All measurements were taken immediately before the intervention and again immediately after, 15 minutes after, and 60 minutes after the intervention. The study was conducted with healthy adult volunteers. The results of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how different physiotherapy modalities acutely influence the patellar tendon region.

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Key information

Conditions

Patellar Tendon

Age range

18 year–24 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir

Izmir, balçova, 35330, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study examined the immediate physiological responses of the patellar tendon region following different physiotherapy interventions. Participants were allocated into four groups: (1) deep friction massage applied directly to the patellar tendon, (2) a locally applied superficial thermal agent, (3) a structured quadriceps resistance exercise protocol, and (4) a no-intervention control group. Each intervention was administered as a single session under standardized laboratory conditions.

Outcome measures included skin temperature assessed with thermal imaging, quadriceps muscle strength measured with a handheld dynamometer, flexibility assessed by standardized clinical procedures, and pulse rate. All measurements were collected at four time points: immediately before the intervention, immediately after, 15 minutes after, and 60 minutes after the intervention.

The study was conducted with healthy adult volunteers to evaluate the acute physiological effects of commonly used physiotherapy modalities on the patellar tendon region. The findings are intended to inform clinical decision-making by clarifying how different physiotherapy techniques influence tendon-related parameters within the first hour following treatment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ages 18 to 24 years
  • Not having engaged in regular exercise training within the past 6 months
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30
  • Ability to complete all assessment procedures
  • Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of any systemic or musculoskeletal disorder
  • Onset of pain during the assessment procedure
  • History of knee joint or peri-articular injury within the past 6 months
  • Presence of neurological, vascular, or rheumatological disease
  • Any dermatological condition that may affect skin integrity

Treatment and study plan

Deep friction massage

Other

A single session of deep friction massage applied directly to the patellar tendon.

Thermal Agent Application

Other

A single application of a thermal agent (hot pack) applied to the patellar tendon region.

Quadriceps Exercise

Other

A single session of quadriceps resistance exercise targeting knee extensor muscles.

Primary outcomes

  1. Skin Temperature Change

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after intervention, 15 minutes after, 60 minutes after

    Skin temperature of the patellar tendon region measured using infrared thermography at four time points to analyze acute thermal response.

  2. Quadirceps Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after intervention, 15 minutes after, 60 minutes after

    Isometric quadriceps muscle strength measured with a handheld dynamometer at four time points to assess acute changes following intervention.

  3. Hamstring and Quadriceps Flexibility

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after intervention, 15 minutes after, 60 minutes after

    Flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstring assessed using a standardized stretching test at four time points to assess evaluate changes.

  4. Dorsalis Pedis Pulse Rate

    Time frame: Baseline, immediately after intervention, 15 minutes after, 60 minutes after

    Pulse rate measured by palpation at four time points (baseline, immediately after intervention, 15 minutes, and 60 minutes) to evaluate acute cardiovascular response to the intervention.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dokuz Eylul University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Acute Effects of Different Physiotherapy Methods Applied to the Patellar Tendon: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: PTPAFT

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 5, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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