The effects of different taping methods on patellofemoral alignment, pain and function in individuals with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Athletic taping has long been a physiotherapeutic application in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, the therapeutic effects of local and proximal taping have not been fully determined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of two different taping techniques applied in addition to exercise on patellofemoral alignment, pain, and function in individuals with PFP. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: An outpatient hospital clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with PFP aged 18-50 years (n = 36). INTERVENTIONS: Group 1 underwent only the exercise program. Group 2 underwent the exercise plus McConnell patellar taping (MPT), and Group 3 underwent the exercise plus femoral rotational taping (FRT) (6 weeks). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bisect offset index (BOI) and patellar tilt angle (PTA) were measured in relaxed and maximum voluntary contractions of the quadriceps muscle (MVCq) using magnetic resonance imaging. Pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale for three conditions: at daytime rest, during activity, and at nighttime. Functional level was assessed by the Kujala Patellofemoral Scoring System. RESULTS: Significant improvements in the BOI of Group 2 at rest (p = .015; r = 0.593) and in PTA of Group 3 at MVCq (p = .010; r = 0.613) were found. Improvements in pain under all three conditions were significant within groups (all, p values < .050 and r > 0.5). The change in pain was similar between groups (all, p values > .05). All groups showed significant improvement in functional level (all, p values < .010 and r > 0.5). However, the increase in Group 3 was higher than that in Group 1 (p = .019). CONCLUSION: This study shows that MPT and FRT applications increase functionality and can affect patellofemoral alignment in different ways. In the treatment of PFP, more successful results can be obtained with appropriate taping techniques for the local and proximal region.