title: High-intensity stepwise conditioning programme for improved exercise responses and agility performance of a badminton player with knee pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effect of a high-intensity stepwise conditioning programme combined with multiple recovery measures on physical fitness, agility, and knee pain symptoms of an injured player.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single case study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-based conditioning training laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  One 26-year-old male world-class badminton player (height, 190.0 cm; weight, 79.3 kg; left dominant hand; playing experience, 16 years; former world champion) with patellar tendinosis and calcification of his left knee.
  The player received seven conditioning sessions over three weeks. During the programme, there was a gradual increase in training duration and load across sessions while cold therapy, manual stretches and massage were administered after each session to minimise inflammation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The training outcome was evaluated with three different testing methods: standard step test, badminton-specific agility test, and tension-pain rating.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The conditioning programme reduced knee pain symptoms and improved actual performance and cardiopulmonary fitness during the agility task. The player was able to return to sport and compete within a month.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high-intensity stepwise conditioning programme improved the physical fitness while sufficient recovery measures minimised any possible undesirable effects and promoted faster return to elite level competition.
authors.affiliation: Dr BobChen Studio, Beijing, China; Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Dr BobChen Studio, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Damon
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mok
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Winson C C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China; Li Ning Sports Science Research Center, Beijing, China. Electronic address: gilbertlam@li-ning.com.cn.
authors.forename: Wing Kai
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Lam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017847:Patellar Ligament; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D015865:Racquet Sports; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000534:rehabilitation*
keywords: Endurance training; Fatigue training; Knee injury; Patellar tendinosis