The effects of patellar taping on pain and neuromuscular performance in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the immediate effects of patellar taping on pain and relative activity of vastus medialis obliquus to vastus lateralis in subjects with patellofemoral pain and patellofemoral joint malalignment.


METHODS
Pre- and post-treatment design, with order of testing determined randomly.


METHODS
Outpatient physiotherapy department.


METHODS
Fifteen subjects with patellofemoral joint pain and malalignment.


METHODS
With and without patellar taping with a standard force of application.


METHODS
Pain and surface EMG activity ratio of vastus medialis obliquus to vastus lateralis during single-legged semi-squat with 20% of extra body weight loading.


RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in anterior knee pain (p < 0.001) and vastus medialis obliquus to vastus lateralis activity ratio (p = 0.05) during single-legged standing after patellar taping.


CONCLUSIONS
Patellar taping can reduce pain in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome and patellofemoral malalignment but it decreases the relative activity of vastus medialis obliquus to vastus lateralis. Such a decrease in relative activity of vastus medialis obliquus after taping implies that it may not be suitable to combine patellar taping with vastus medialis obliquus facilitative exercise training.
Ng
Gabriel Y F
GY
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong. rsgng@polyu.edu.hk
Cheng
Jenny M F
JM
D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010329:Patella / Q000473:pathology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome