Textural Analysis and Effect of ROI Size on Infrared Thermography in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy

Launched by CARDENAL HERRERA UNIVERSITY · Jul 23, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help diagnose patellar tendinopathy, which is a common knee problem that causes pain, especially in athletes. Right now, it can be hard to diagnose because the usual tests, like ultrasound or MRI scans, have some limitations. This study is exploring the use of infrared thermography—a special camera that detects heat patterns on the skin—to see if it can identify differences in knee temperature and texture between athletes with this knee condition and healthy people. The study also aims to find the best size of the area on the knee to look at for the most accurate results.

People who might be eligible to join this study are athletes aged 18 and up who have had knee pain for more than three months, have undergone specific functional tests and an ultrasound, and have a certain level of symptoms measured by a questionnaire (VISA-P score below 80). Participants should not have other lower limb problems, nerve or blood vessel issues, or skin problems around the knee that could affect heat readings. Those who join will likely have their knees examined using infrared cameras and possibly other tests to help researchers learn if this method can improve diagnosis. This study is not yet recruiting, but it offers hope for a simpler, non-invasive, and affordable way to better understand knee pain in athletes.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Specific functional tests.
• • Ultrasound evaluation.
• • Symptom evolution time of more than 3 months.
• • A VISA-P score of less than 80.
• • The performance of a differential diagnosis to rule out other potential causes of anterior knee pain.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lower limb pathology.
• • Nerve or vascular disorder, or skin lesion in the knee area that could alter thermal information in the patellar tendon region.