Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Functionality and Pain in Individuals With Patellar Tendinopathy

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) prior to a therapeutic eccentric exercise program on parameters related to pain and functionality in individuals with patellar tendinopathy. For this purpose, participants will be randomly divided into two groups: i) experimental group, receiving tDCS prior to a therapeutic exercise program; and ii) control group, receiving sham tDCS and a therapeutic exercise program. The interventions will last for 8 weeks. Additionally, four assessments will be conducted (baseline, week 4, week 8 and week 12). The variables studied are related to pain, functionality, muscle activity and strength, proprioception, and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 50 years. * Diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P score of 80 or lower). * Pain lasting more than 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous knee surgery. * Corticosteroid injection in the previous 6 weeks. * Systemic inflammatory, autoimmune, or rheumatic diseases. * Cognitive or behavioural issues that hinder comprehension and adherence to the intervention. * Any neurological disease. * Neoplastic disease. * Subjects presenting contraindications for tDCS (Thair et al., 2017), including: personal and family history of epilepsy, metallic implants in the head, implanted medication pump, pacemaker, recurrent headaches, skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema), or major head surgeries, pregnancy, heart diseases, and various medications (psychotropic or antihistamines). * Subjects must not have undergone pharmacological treatment or knee physical rehabilitation programs for a period of 1 year.