Which exercise heals the knee tendon best? a Head-to-Head trial

NCT ID NCT07682051

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Graz Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study compares two 12-week exercise programs—eccentric training and heavy-slow resistance training—in 30 adults aged 18–50 with patellar tendinopathy (knee pain lasting over 3 months). Researchers measure changes in tendon thickness, stiffness, strength, and pain to see which approach better improves tendon and muscle function. Participants must be active (exercise at least 3 times per week) and have no prior knee surgeries or recent treatments like cortisone injections.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: exercise training (eccentric training and heavy-slow resistance training)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could identify which type of exercise best improves tendon health and reduces pain in people with patellar tendinopathy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Exercise programs require consistent effort and may not work for all individuals.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

patellar tendinitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Graz

Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.