Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the burden and risk factors of patellar and Achilles tendinopathy among youth basketball players. Patellar and Achilles tendinopathy were prospectively monitored in 515 eligible male and female youth basketball players (11–18 years) through a competitive season. Overall, the season prevalence of patellar tendinopathy was 19.0% (95% CI: 15.7–22.7%), 23.2% (95% CI: 18.6–28.2%) in males and 12.5% (95% CI: 8.3–17.9%) in females. The season prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy was 4.3% (95% CI: 2.7–6.4%), 4.1% (95% CI: 2.2–7.0%) in males and 4.5% (95% CI: 2.1–8.4%) in females. Median proportion of symptoms duration was 83% of average total weeks of basketball exposure for patellar tendinopathy and 75% for Achilles tendinopathy. Median time to patellar tendinopathy onset was 8 weeks for male players and 6 weeks for female players. Higher odds of patellar tendinopathy risk were seen in males (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.10–4.69) and players with previous anterior knee pain had significantly elevated odds (OR: 8.5, 95% CI: 4.58–16.89). The burden and risk of patellar tendinopathy is high among competitive youth basketball players. Risk factors include sex and previous anterior knee pain. These findings provide directions for practice and future research.
Highlights
Patellar tendinopathy (PTP) is a common overuse/gradual onset injury in elite-level basketball with a reported prevalence of 32% (60% career prevalence) [1]
The selection and flow of players through the study are presented in Thirteen players (2.5%; 8 males, 5 females) in this cohort participated in both school and club seasons—an assumption of independence was made in these players given the small proportion
While there was no difference in the season prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy (ATP) between male and female players, we found a significant difference in the season prevalence of PTP
Summary
Patellar tendinopathy (PTP) is a common overuse/gradual onset injury in elite-level basketball with a reported prevalence of 32% (60% career prevalence) [1]. The prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy (ATP) is relatively low, its impact on elite adult basketball players is concerning [2]. Individuals may have tendon pathology, which is a primary factor for tendon degeneration, disrepair, and potential rupture [4,5], and this may result in early retirement from professional sport and potentially impact players’ long-term health [2,5]. Despite the potentially significant impact of PTP and ATP on competitive athletes, there is a paucity of literature regarding the burden and risk factors of PTP and ATP, in youth sport [6,7]. One study [8], conducted several years ago, investigated
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