Styrka och effekt: påverkar asymtomatisk patellartendinos dessa parametrar? : En undersökande tvärsnittsstudie på manliga SHL-spelare

Sammanfattning

ABSTRACT: BackgroundIce hockey is a sport with high physical demands. Tendinopathy is a condition affecting tendon structures, often associated with pain and reduced strength. While symtomatic patellar tendinopathy often resulting in pain och dysfunction, the impact of asymptomatic tendinosis on performance remains unclear.AimTo investigate whether asymptomatic patellar tendinosis affects ice hockey players’ ability to generate strength and power.MethodThis cross-sectional observational study included 28 male players from the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). The mean age of participants was 25 years (25 ± 4.6), and the mean body weight was 87 kg (87 ± 7.2). Participants underwent strength test split squat using isokinetic dynamometry and power test peak 6 max sprint via Wattbike. Ultrasound imaging of both patellar tendons was subsequently performed. Based on ultrasound findings, players were divided into a tendinosis group (N=20) and a normal tendon group (N=8). Subgroup in the tendinosis group was unilateral tendinosis (N=8). Relative max values in peak force (N/kg) and power (W/kg) were analyzed using parametric statistical tests; independent t-test and dependent t-test, to provide accuracy around evaluation of the groups parametrics and try to uncover significant effects between groups. Lastly a bivariate regression analysis were made to try understanding the effect variable tendinosis had on power and force. ResultsOut of 56 tendons examined, 32 showed signs of tendinosis. A significant difference in strength (P=0.01; Cohen’s d = 0.70) and power (P=0.05; Cohen’s d = 1.00) was found in favor of the normal group (20.06 N/kg, 20.25 W/kg) compared to the tendinosis group (18.55 N/kg, 18.80 W/kg). A significant trend was observed in players with unilateral tendinosis regarding strength (P=0,001). Regression analysis revealed a small correlation (R² = 0.11–0.12; P = 0.01–0.08) between tendinosis influence on force and power. ConclusionAsymptomatic patellar tendinosis appears to negatively affect the tendon’s ability to generate strength and power in elite ice hockey players, which may impair athletic performance. Further, larger-scale studies are recommended.