The effect of dose on resistance exercise therapies for tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of resistance exercise dose across multiple common tendinopathies (rotator cuff, lateral elbow, patellar or Achilles) where the frequency, volume and intensity can be accurately quantified. By combining a large data set with contemporary meta-analysis and meta-regression approaches (including relevant covariates within models), the present systematic review will attempt to explore statistical heterogeneity and better assess potential dose-response relationships that may exist. Where placebo and no-treatment arms are included, these studies will be used to reduce heterogeneity and provide sensitivity analyses to support or refute analyses with larger, but more complex data.