Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
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©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine ( 2026 )  25 ,  34  -  57   DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2026.34

Review article
Eccentric Training for Tendinopathies in Athletes: A Scoping Review and Evidence Gap Map
Robert Trybulski1,2, , Gracjan Olaniszyn1,3, Filip Matuszczyk4, Kamil Gałęziok4, Andryi Vovkanych2, Yaroslav Svyshch2
Author Information
1 Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
2 Department of Physical Therapy and Ergotherapy, Ivan Boberkyj Lviv State University of Physical Culture, Lviv, Ukraine
3 Physiotherapy Centre "Od Nowa" Racibórz Zamkowa 4 str., Racibórz, Poland
4 Provita Żory Medical Center, Żory, Poland

Robert Trybulski
✉ Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, 40-659 Katowice, Poland
Email: rtrybulski.provita@gmail.com
Publish Date
Received: 20-09-2025
Accepted: 19-11-2025
Published (online): 01-03-2026
Narrated in English
 
 
ABSTRACT

Tendinopathies are prevalent in athletic populations, particularly in sports requiring repetitive high-load activities. Eccentric training is widely recommended for rehabilitation, yet variability in protocols and inconsistent methodological reporting limit standardization. This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence on eccentric training for tendinopathies in athletes, characterize intervention parameters, evaluate clinical outcomes and safety, and identify methodological gaps to inform future practice and research. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were conducted. Eligible studies included athletes with tendinopathy undergoing eccentric training interventions. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials were considered. Data extraction included intervention design, tendon site, loading parameters, outcomes, and adverse events. Critical appraisal was performed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Thirty-one studies were included. Most examined patellar tendinopathy in volleyball and basketball players or Achilles tendinopathy in runners and soccer athletes. Protocols varied substantially in load, frequency, and progression strategies. Pain monitoring was integral, often allowing exercise into moderate discomfort. Eccentric training consistently improved pain and function, with heavy slow resistance and adjunct modalities showing comparable or additive effects. Return-to-sport rates were high, and adverse events were minimal. However, performance outcomes, tendon structure, and safety reporting were inconsistently assessed. Eccentric training consistently reduces pain and improves function in athletes with tendinopathy. Evidence is less consistent regarding performance outcomes, tendon remodeling, and comparative superiority over alternative interventions. Standardized reporting of protocols, safety, and sport-specific adaptations is needed to strengthen recommendations for athletic rehabilitation.

Key words: Tendinopathy, athletes, exercise therapy, eccentric training, rehabilitation


           Key Points
  • Across 31 studies, eccentric training was the most frequently investigated conservative approach for athletic tendinopathies, applied across multiple tendon sites (patellar, Achilles, proximal hamstring) and sports, most often volleyball, soccer, and running.
  • Evidence supports eccentric training as generally safe and effective for improving pain and function, while findings on performance, tendon structure, and return-to-sport remain inconsistent and underexplored.
  • Evidence gaps include small sample sizes, limited sport-specific outcomes, scarce long-term follow-up, and insufficient safety reporting, informing priorities for future athlete-centered research.
 
 
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