Primary exercises | Alternative primary exercises | Additional exercises | |
Stage 1: Isometric exercise Progress to Stage 2 when can perform all sets using moderate resistance with pain <4 (0 to 10 scale). | Leg extension or leg press hold:
| Wall sit hold (sets, repetitions, and parameters same as primary exercise) | Begin daily exercises to address other identified risk factors, possibly including:
Perform 3 times per week |
Stage 2: Isotonic exercise Progress to Stage 3 when can perform all sets with pain <4 (0 to 10 scale) using 100 to 150% bodyweight. Strength symmetric in both lower extremities. | Leg press:
| Walking lunge (initially bodyweight, then can add dumbbells) or Step-ups (initially bodyweight, then can add dumbbells) Sets, repetitions, and parameters same as primary exercise | Continue daily exercises addressing risk factors Continue isometric hold exercises on non-leg press days |
Stage 3: Energy storage exercise Progress to Stage 4 when can perform all sets with pain <4 (0 to 10 scale) during performance and at least 24 hours after. | Perform exercises every third day:
| Continue exercises addressing risk factors 3 times per week First day after primary exercises, perform isometric exercises Second day after primary exercises, perform isotonic exercises | |
Stage 4: Sport-specific exercise Return to play when provocation testing at least 24 hours after 3 successive group training sessions causes pain <4. | Perform exercises every 2 to 3 days | Continue exercises addressing risk factors and isotonic exercises at least 2 times per week |
RM: repetition maximum.
* This program is for patients with uncomplicated cases of patellar tendinopathy (ie, not associated with any other major lower extremity injury) and without major comorbidity that would prevent them from performing the exercises.Do you want to add Medilib to your home screen?