Patellar TendinitisTENVOLNCT07406516
Identification of Kinematic Variables Specific of Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes at Risk
A study testing The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology. and The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology at 6 months and 12 months in people with Patellar Tendinitis and Jumper's Knee, run by University Hospital, Montpellier at 1 site in France.
Trial summary
This research aims to identify and monitor specific kinematic markers associated with patellar tendinopathy in athletes at risk. Using a markerless motion capture system, vertical jump tests will be analyzed to detect early biomechanical changes in the knees, hips, trunk, and ankles. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Patellar Tendinitis, Jumper's Knee, Musculoskeletal Injuries
- What is being tested?
- The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology. and The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology at 6 months and 12 months
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteFrance
- Study dates
- 15 Sep 2026to 1 May 2029
- Phase
- Interventional
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
- Subject aged between 18 and 45 years
- Male subject
- Regularly participating in physical activity involving jumping (a predisposing factor for patellar tendinopathy) twice a week for at least one year.
- Participants affiliated with or covered by a social security scheme
SPECIFIC INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR THE PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY GROUP
Patients with at least 2 of the following 3 criteria:
- Modified Öhberg score ≥2 according to L Öhberg, H Alfredson (2002)
- VISA-PF < 80/100 according to Kaux et al. (2016) and/or OSTRC P ≥ 6/100 according to Owoeye et al. (2018)
- Single Leg Decline Squat (SLDS): VAS ≥ 1/10 with pain mapping at the patellar tendon; according to Coombes et al. (2020)
SPECIFIC INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR THE HEALTHY GROUP
Patients with 0 or 1 of the following 3 criteria:
- Modified Öhberg score ≥2 according to L Öhberg, H Alfredson (2002)
- VISA-PF < 80/100 according to Kaux et al. (2016) and/or OSTRC P ≥ 6/100 according to Owoeye et al. (2018)
- Single Leg Decline Squat (SLDS): VAS ≥ 1/10 with pain mapping at the patellar tendon; according to Coombes et al. (2020)
Non inclusion Criteria:
- Significant medical and surgical history involving the lower limbs (e.g., ACL ligament reconstruction, meniscectomy, etc.)
- Contraindications to participating in sports activities
- Other pathologies involving the lower limbs (< 6 months), e.g., torn knee ligaments, ankle sprain, knee sprain, etc.
- Participants who have not given their informed consent
- Participants subject to legal protection measures (legal guardianship, conservatorship, curatorship)
- Participants deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
France1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Sports Medicine and Traumatology LAPEYRONIE Hospital - Montpellier University Hospital
Montpellier
Benjamin BEN ZAKI, +336 66 09 13 43, b-benzaki@chu-montpellier.fr
About this study
This research aims to identify and monitor specific kinematic markers associated with patellar tendinopathy in athletes at risk. Using a markerless motion capture system, vertical jump tests will be analyzed to detect early biomechanical changes in the knees, hips, trunk, and ankles. By comparing injured participants, the study seeks to improve early diagnosis and personalized prevention strategies for patellar tendinopathy.
Read the detailed description
Patellar tendinopathy, also known as Jumper's knee, is the most common pathology in elite sports, with 30% of diagnoses occurring in volleyball. Among elite volleyball players, the prevalence of this overuse-related condition ranges between 40% and 50%, resulting in anterior knee pain during daily and recreational activities, which can lead to deficits in strength and sports performance. To date, investigator can determine whether a patient has had a history of tendinopathy through modifications in biomechanical jump-landing strategies. However, there is a lack of early biomechanical markers to identify the onset of patellar tendinopathy and thus prevent its chronic progression. A preventive strategy using markerless motion capture technology, providing quantitative and visual feedback of a 3D human body model, shows promise. Investigators hypothesize that jump-landing kinematic analysis using markerless technology could identify early kinematic markers specific to patellar tendinopathy, distinguishing affected individuals from a non-tendinopathy population. This could ultimately help identify motor strategies following the onset of patellar tendinopathy A prospective longitudinal multicenter cohort. After signing the consent form, participants will undergo a medical examination, including a clinical assessment, a SLDS test, a Doppler ultrasound of the patellar tendon, and evaluation using the VISA-PF and OSTRC-P scores. Following a standardized 10-minute warm-up, participants will perform vertical jump tests captured by high-resolution cameras, analyzed using markerless motion capture technology. These assessments will be conducted at inclusion and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Additional medical visits will occur if symptoms arise outside of testing.
- Being tested
- The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology., The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology at 6 months and 12 months
- Keywords
- patellar tendinopathy, injury, Jumper's knee, Biomechanical variables, Biomechanical modeling, Measurement in an ecological environment, Profiling, Markerless technology
- Medical subject headings
- Knee Injuries, Wounds and Injuries
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology.Diagnostic test
Participants will undergo clinical evaluations including the Single Leg Decline Squat (SLDS) test, VISA-PF, OSTRC-P questionnaires, and Doppler ultrasound of the patellar tendon. These assessments will take place at baseline (T0) and follow-up periods (M3, M6, M9, M12) to track the evolution of kinematic markers and clinical symptoms related to patellar tendinopathy.
The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology at 6 months and 12 monthsDiagnostic test
Participants will undergo clinical evaluations including the Single Leg Decline Squat (SLDS) test, VISA-PF, OSTRC-P questionnaires, and Doppler ultrasound of the patellar tendon. These assessments will take place at baseline (T0) and follow-up periods ( M6 et M12) to track the evolution of kinematic markers and clinical symptoms related to patellar tendinopathy.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| patellar tendinopathy group | Experimental | Diagnostic Test: The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology. Receives: Diagnostic Test: The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology. |
| healthy group | Other | Diagnostic Test: The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology. Receives: Diagnostic Test: The intervention consists of a series of vertical jump tests captured using high-resolution cameras with markerless motion capture technology at 6 months and 12 months |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Variations of knee flexion angle at initial contact at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of knee flexion angle at initial contact at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of knee flexion angle at initial contact at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of knee flexion angle at initial contact at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Variations of the maximum knee flexion angle at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of the maximum knee flexion angle at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of the maximum knee flexion angle at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of the maximum knee flexion angle at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the knee between initial contact and maximum flexion angle at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the knee between initial contact and maximum flexion angle at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the knee between initial contact and maximum flexion angle at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the knee between initial contact and maximum flexion angle at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF)at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Comparison of variation between healthy group and patellar tendinopathy group of knee flexion angle at initial contact at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the two 6-month visits of the two groups
Comparison between the healthy group and the patellar tendinopathy group of variation of the maximum knee flexion angle at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the two 6-month visits of the two groups
Comparison between the healthy group and the patellar tendinopathy group of variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the knee between initial contact and maximum flexion angle at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the two 6-month visits of the two groups
Comparison between the healthy group and the patellar tendinopathy group of variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF)at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the two 6-month visits of the two groups
Secondary outcomes (16)
Variations of the angle of flexion of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles at initial contact at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of the angle of flexion of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles at initial contact at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of the angle of flexion of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles at initial contact at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of the angle of flexion of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles at initial contact at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Variations of the maximum flexion angle of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of the maximum flexion angle of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of the maximum flexion angle of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of the maximum flexion angle of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles between initial contact and maximum flexion angle upon landing at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles between initial contact and maximum flexion angle upon landing at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles between initial contact and maximum flexion angle upon landing at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of the range of motion (ROM) of the trunk, hips, knees, and ankles between initial contact and maximum flexion angle upon landing at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) of the hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 3 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the initial visit and the 3-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) of the hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 6 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 3-month visit and the 6-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) of the hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 9 months (only for patients in the patellar tendinopathy group)
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 6-month visit and the 9-month visit
Variations of the angle at the peak of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) of the hips, knees, and ankles upon landing at 12 months
The participant will perform the required vertical jump tests. The kinematic data will be captured by the investigating physical therapist specializing in motion analysis using a camera and markerless technology.
Measured: Between the 9-month visit and the 12-month visit
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Feb 2026
- Study start15 Sep 2026
- Primary completion1 May 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion1 May 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Patellar TendinitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University Hospital, Montpellier
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07406516
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RECHMPL25_0117
- Other IDs
- 2025-A01948-41
- Acronym
- TENVOL
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided