Peak patellar tendon force progressions during heavy load single-leg squats on level ground and decline board

• Published in: Clinical biomechanics (Bristol) 2024-02, Vol.112, p.106179-106179, Article 106179
• Main Authors: Hagen, Michiel, Chebly, Joanna, Dhaen, Bram, Fassian, Noah, Salvalaggio, Matteo, Catelli, Danilo S., Verschueren, Sabine, Vanrenterghem, Jos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomechanical Phenomena; Exercise therapy; Humans; Leg; Patellar Ligament; Patellar tendon force; Posture; Single-leg squat; Tendinopathy; Tendons
• ISSN: 0268-0033; 1879-1271
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106179

Progressive tendon loading programs for patellar tendinopathy typically include single-leg squats with heavy weights either on level ground or on a decline board. Changes in patellar tendon force due to variations of the heavy load single-leg squat have not yet been objectively quantified. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the mass of an external weight and the use of a decline board on the peak patellar tendon force during a heavy load single-leg squat. Twelve healthy participants performed single-leg back squats on a decline board and level ground at 70%, 80% and 90% of their one repetition maximum. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces were measured and the peak patellar tendon force was calculated using musculoskeletal modelling. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA determined the main effects for the mass of the external weights and the use of a decline board as well as their interaction effect. Peak patellar tendon forces were significantly higher on the decline board compared to level ground (p  0.05). Progression in peak patellar tendon forces during a heavy load single-leg squat can only be obtained with a decline board. Increasing the mass of the external weight from 70% to 90% of the one repetition maximum does not result in a progressively higher peak patellar tendon force. •Increasing an external weight's mass does not increase peak patellar tendon forces.•Peak patellar tendon forces are higher on a decline board than on level ground.•High peak patellar tendon forces on a decline board are reached at lower weights.