Correlation Between Reduced Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion and the Prevalence of Patellar Tendinopathy in Amateur Basketball Players
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Abstract
Background: Patellar tendinopathy is a common overuse condition in basketball players and is associated with repetitive jumping, landing, and rapid directional changes. Restricted ankle dorsiflexion range of motion may alter lower-limb biomechanics and increase patellar tendon loading, but evidence among amateur basketball players remains limited. Objective: To determine the association between reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and the prevalence of patellar tendinopathy among amateur basketball players. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 244 amateur basketball players aged 18–30 years. Demographic, training, pain, injury-history, and functional data were collected using a structured questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Patella questionnaire, and Weight-Bearing Lunge Test. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was classified as restricted when <36.5° and normal when ≥36.5°. The association between dorsiflexion category and patellar tendinopathy was analyzed using Chi-square testing, with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval reported for clinical interpretation. Results: Patellar tendinopathy was present in 50 participants (20.5%), while restricted dorsiflexion ROM was identified in 84 participants (34.4%). Patellar tendinopathy prevalence was higher in the restricted dorsiflexion group than in the normal dorsiflexion group (35.7% vs. 12.5%). Restricted dorsiflexion was associated with increased odds of patellar tendinopathy (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.04–7.43; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Restricted ankle dorsiflexion ROM was significantly associated with higher patellar tendinopathy prevalence among amateur basketball players. Ankle dorsiflexion screening may support early identification of players requiring mobility-focused preventive strategies
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