Investigating the best time of day for training in chronic patellar tendinopathy

Tendinopathy: Optimal Time for Management Through Exercise (TENDOTIME) - a Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Targeted Training Performed Morning and Late Afternoon in a 12-week Intervention Program on Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy

NA · Bispebjerg Hospital · NCT06217432

This study is testing whether doing strength exercises in the morning or late afternoon helps people with chronic patellar tendinopathy feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorBispebjerg Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Copenhagen NV, Region Hovedstaden)
Trial IDNCT06217432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves a 12-week intervention where 60 participants with chronic patellar tendinopathy will be randomized to perform targeted resistance exercises either in the morning or late afternoon. The goal is to determine the optimal time of day for strength training to improve symptoms associated with this condition. Additionally, 10 healthy controls will be included who will not engage in any exercise training. Participants must be active individuals aged 18-55 with a history of symptoms lasting more than three months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are sports-active men and women aged 18-55 with unilateral or bilateral patellar tendinopathy lasting more than 90 days.

Not a fit: Patients with patellar tendinopathy lasting longer than 24 months or those with confounding knee diagnoses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimizing rehabilitation strategies for patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific timing of exercise for tendinopathy is less explored, similar studies on exercise timing have shown promising results in other conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Sports active men and women
* Age (18-55) years old
* BMI (18.5-30)
* Uni- or bilateral patellar tendinopathy
* Symptom onset \>90 days ago

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patellar tendinopathy longer than 24 months
* Previous surgery in the knee on the ipsilateral side
* Corticosteroid injection in the patellar tendon on the ipsilateral side within the last 6 months
* Any confounding diagnosis to the knee joint
* Known arthritis
* Known diabetes
* Known rheumatic disorders
* Inability to follow rehabilitation or complete follow-ups
* Enrolled in a resistance based-rehabilitation program for the affected patellar tendon within the previous 3 months
* Have an occupation where it is not feasible to avoid pain provoking tasks
* Pregnancy
* Have sleeping disorders or disruptions, e.g., night shift work
* Use of medicines or supplements known to affect collagen synthesis or sleep

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen NV, Region Hovedstaden

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Tendinopathy, Jumper's Knee

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.