Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Patellar Tendon in Cyclists, Volleyball Players, and Non-Practitioners of Sports—The Influence of Gender, Age, Height, Dominant Limb, and Level of Physical Activity

Abstract

This study was based on the ultrasound evaluation of the patellar tendon dimensions in the anteroposterior and transversal approaches in sports practitioners (cyclists and volleyball players) and non-sports practitioners. Relationships between the patellar tendon length, width, and thickness with gender, age, height, the dominant limb, and level of physical activity were evaluated. The samples included cyclists, volleyball players, and non-sports practitioners between 15 and 25 years old. Individuals were positioned supine with 30 degrees of knee flexion for bilateral measurements. Sports practitioners presented with an increased patellar tendon length and thickness. There were significant differences bilaterally between sports and non-sports practitioners (p p p < 0.004). The study results indicate that gender, age, height, and level of physical activity impact patellar tendon dimensions. However, there are no associations with the dominant limb.

Keywords

• patellar tendon
• measurements
• ultrasound
• sport
• cyclists
• volleyball players