Lower Limb Biomechanical Variables Are Indicators of the Pattern of Presentation of Patella Tendinopathy in Elite African Basketball and Volleyball Players

Objective The present study determined the pattern of presentation and severity of patellar tendinopathy (PT) and its relationship with selected biomechanical variables in elite athletes. Methods The study involved 98 elite Nigerian basketball and volleyball players aged between 18 and 35 years. Clinical tests and ultrasound imaging were used to divide the participants into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Standard procedures were used to assess the quadriceps angle (Q-angle), tibial torsion, ankle dorsiflexion, hamstring flexibility, and foot posture. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Questionnaire, Patellar Tendon (VISA-P) was used to assess the severity of the symptoms. The statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a post hoc analysis and Pearson correlation with significance level set at p < 0.05 were also performed. Results Significantly lower sit-and-reach scores ( p = 0.01), increased foot posture index score ( p = 0.01) and reduced ankle dorsiflexion range ( p = 0.03) were found in participants of both sexes with symptomatic PT. Higher Q-angles ( p = 0.02) in males and tibial torsion angles ( p = 0.001) in females were also found in the symptomatic PT groups. Symptom severity was significantly higher in the group with clinical symptoms only ( p = 0.042), and it was significantly correlated with hamstring flexibility in both males (r = -0.618) and females (r = -0.664). Conclusion Reduced hamstring flexibility, increased foot pronation and reduced ankle dorsiflexion range were significant in participants with symptomatic PT.