# Comparative analysis of patellar tendon, achilles tendon and plantar fascia structure in indoor and outdoor football players: a novel cross-sectional pilot study

## TL;DR

This study compares tendon and fat pad thickness in indoor and outdoor football players using ultrasound imaging.

## Contribution

The novel cross-sectional study explores structural differences in tendons and fat pads between two types of football players.

## Key findings

- Hoffa’s fat pad thickness was significantly different between outdoor and indoor football players on the left side.
- No significant differences were found in patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, or plantar fascia thickness between the two groups.
- Load stimuli in both types of football were insufficient to cause structural adaptations in PT, AT, and PF tissues.

## Abstract

Different sport modalities were associate with tendon adaptation or even tendon disturbances, such as volleyball, soccer or basketball. Purpose: the aim of the present study was to determine de difference between indoor and outdoor football players on patellar tendon (PT), Achilles tendon (AT), plantar fascia (FP) and Hoffa’s fat pad thickness assessed with ultrasound imaging (USI). A cross-sectional study was developed with a total sample of 30 soccer players divided in two groups: outdoor group (n = 15) and indoor group (n = 15). The thickness of PT, AT, PF and Hoffa’s fat pad has been assessed with USI. Hoffa’s fat pad reported significant differences for the left side between groups (P = 0.026). The rest of variables did not show any significant difference (P < 0.05). The ultrasonography assessment of the thickness of the PT, AT and PF did not show differences between outdoor and indoor football players. Hoffa’s fat pad resulted showed a significant decrease for outdoor soccer players with respect futsal players. Thus, it can be considered that the load stimuli received in both soccer players were not enough to produce structural adaptations in PT, AT and PF tissues.