The Acute Effects of an Isometric Loading Intervention on Lower Extremity Landing Biomechanics in Individuals With Patellar Tendinopathy

Inclusion Criteria:

The investigators will recruit a convenience sample of participants who meet the following
overall criteria:

1. Age 15 and post-pubertal (confirmed by Pubertal Development Scale Questionnaire) - 28
years

2. Actively participating within an organized sport setting (high school, collegiate,
club, competitive intramural sports) in their respective team's weekly training and
competitions, quantified by a Tegner Activity Level Scale of at least 5.

Exclusion Criteria:

The following exclusion criteria will be applied to all participants:

1. Any anterior knee pain with no patellar tendon abnormality on ultrasound assessment.

2. History of any knee joint surgery ever.

3. History of other (non-knee) lower extremity surgery in the last 1 year.

4. History of lower extremity injury in last 6 months (other than patellar tendinopathy).

5. An injection (corticosteroids, plasma-rich-protein, etc.) to the patellar tendon in
the last 3 months.

6. Known history of osteoarthritis or current symptoms related to osteoarthritis (i.e.
stiffness, swelling).

7. Participation in formal rehabilitation for patellar tendinopathy in prior 3 months

8. Known neurological disorders, including: stroke, multiple sclerosis, ALS, diabetic
neuropathy, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury resulting in loss of consciousness,
concussion within the last 6 months, cranial neural surgery, balance disorders.

9. Use of pacemaker or another implantable electronic device.

10. History of cardiac arrhythmia or any cardiac condition.

11. History of psychiatric disorder. *

12. History of cancer in the brain or thigh musculature.

13. Pubertal Development Scale Score < 12 (Stages 1-4)

- Note: Rationale for exclusion of individuals with a history of psychiatric
disorders is that these individuals may have taken or be taking pharmacological
agents that could affect pain or neuromuscular control.