The probe is placed perpendicular to the skin and pressure is increased gradually at a rate of 30 kPa/s. A hand-held algometer (Somedic, Hörby, Sweden) with a 1-cm2 probe (covered by a disposable latex sheath) will be used to record the PPT.

Pain sensitivity is examined by the participants' pressure pain threshold (PPT). The trial will be pre-registered on before inclusion of participants commences. Study Design and Methods The proposed study is a participant blinded, randomised crossover superiority trial, to examine acute effect of isometric versus isotonic resistance exercise on pain in patients with patellar tendinopathy. Hypothesis The primary hypothesis is that isometric exercise will induce greater pain relief/reduction during an aggravating activity in comparison to isotonic exercises. Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the acute effects of two different types of resistance exercise (isometric versus isotonic) on exercise induced hypoalgesia during an aggravating activity, in participants with patellar tendinopathy. This study was the first to compare the analgesic effect of different forms of resistance exercise in patients with tendinopathy.Īlthough the results appear promising, a limitation of the study was that it did not quantify the effect of the different exercises on measures of pain sensitivity as in previous studies examining EIH. The study compared, isometric resistance exercise (static muscular contractions), in comparison to isotonic resistance exercise (dynamic contractions) and found that isometric exercise induced greater participantive pain relief in response to an aggravating task.

Understanding the effect of different forms of exercise on pain may help optimize the prescription of exercise for pain management.Ī recent study by Rio and colleagues documented the acute effect of two different forms of resistance exercise in patients with patellar tendinopathy. However, the optimal mode and dosages required for reducing pain in patients with tendinopathies is unknown. Therefore the efficacy of exercise as an intervention may be partially due to the analgesic effect of exercise, also termed exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH).įor tendinopathies, high load resistance exercise is frequently used during rehabilitation. It is well documented, that an acute bout of aerobic or resistance type exercise reduces sensitivity to pain in healthy individuals.

Why Should I Register and Submit Results?Įxercise is a commonly prescribed treatment for patients with musculoskeletal pain, and is effective in treating tendon pain.

Isometric exercises vs isotonic