Effects of HMB and Rehabilitation Program in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates the effects of oral beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation combined with an eccentric exercise and extracorporeal shockwave rehabilitation program on pain, tendon morphology, and neuromuscular performance in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Thirty athletes with a confirmed diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy are randomized to receive either HMB supplementation (3 g/day) or placebo during an 8-week rehabilitation program. Participants are evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The primary outcome is pain and functional limitation assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include patellar tendon thickness measured by ultrasound imaging, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and neuromuscular performance variables derived from an incremental squat test using a linear position transducer. The aim of the study is to determine whether HMB supplementation enhances clinical recovery and neuromuscular performance when combined with a standardized rehabilitation program compared with placebo.