A Study on the Effects of Patellar Taping on Pain, Quality of Life, and Radiographic Findings in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common cause of anterior knee pain in adults. Patellar taping is used to correct patellar position and rehabilitate patients with PFPS. However, the effectiveness and clinical efficiency of this technique in the treatment of these patients are not fully determined. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of knee taping on patellar alignment, quality of life, and pain in patients with PFPS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 25 PFPS patients within the age range of 20-50 years. McConnell taping technique was applied for patients during four weeks. Before and immediately after the treatment, quality of life (via KOOS questionnaire), patellar alignment (via skyline radiography of the knee), and pain intensity were measured. FINDINGS: After four weeks, McConnell taping technique caused a decline in pain intensity from 50.13±21.60 to 26.67±10.14 mm in patients with PFPS (p=0.001). However, this technique had no positive effects on quality of life (score on KOOS questionnaire) or patellar angle/position (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, independent use of McConnell taping technique is not sufficient for improving the quality of life in patients with PFPS or correcting the abnormal alignment of patella; however, it can help reduce the induced pain.