Effects of patellar taping on the patella position in presence of quadriceps contraction in 20-40 year-old women with patellofemoral pain syndrome using MRI

Abstract

Objectives: Patellar maltracking is the main reason for pain and disability in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Patellar taping can considerably reduce such pain and disability. This study compared the effectiveness of physiotherapy exercises and kinesio taping on the patellar position in women with PFPS (mean age 32.2±1.12 years) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Thirty women with a one-year history of PFPS took part in this study. MRI was done on the participant's patellofemoral joint at 30° knee flexion with quadriceps contraction in two stages: 1st stage-immediately after kinesio taping and 2nd stage-after 10 sessions of kinesio taping. The effectiveness of the interventions was determined by measuring the patellofemoral congruence angle (PFCA), lateral patellofemoral angle (LPFA), and lateral patellar displacement (LPD) in the MRI images. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significantly reduced pain in all participants. The results showed a significant reduction in PFCA during quadriceps contraction immediately after kinesio taping, and a significant improvement was also observed in LPFA after 10 days of using kinesio taping by quadriceps contraction. Discussion: Kinesio taping plus quadriceps contraction reduced the PFCA and LPFA. Patellar taping is effective in the correction of the patellar position in contracted quadriceps. Therefore, both neuromuscular and mechanical effects of patellar taping affect the patellar position over a long period. The combination of patellar taping and exercise reduced pain and improved activity faster than either of the treatment alone.