title: Effects of Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
abstract: Objectives. To conduct a systematic review comparing the effects of Kinesio taping with McConnell taping as a method of conservative management of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Methods. MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, AMED, and the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials electronic databases were searched through July 2014. Controlled studies evaluating the effects of Kinesio or McConnell taping in PFPS patients were retrieved. Results. Ninety-one articles were selected from the articles that were retrieved from the databases, and 11 articles were included in the analysis. The methods, evaluations, and results of the articles were collected, and the outcomes of patellar tapings were analyzed. Kinesio taping can reduce pain and increase the muscular flexibility of PFPS patients, and McConnell taping also had effect in pain relief and patellar alignment. Meta-analysis showed small effect in pain reduction and motor function improvement and moderate effect in muscle activity change among PFPS patients using Kinesio taping. Conclusions. Kinesio taping technique used for muscles can relieve pain but cannot change patellar alignment, unlike McConnell taping. Both patellar tapings are used differently for PFPS patients and substantially improve muscle activity, motor function, and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung City 404402, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wen-Dien
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Recreational Sport and Health Promotion, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Shuefu Road, Neipu, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Fu-Chen
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical and Health Education, Center for General Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, No. 70 Lienhai Road, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chia-Lun
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Road, Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hung-Yu
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Assistive Device Center, Da-Chien General Hospital, No. 6, Shin Guang Street, Miaoli City 36049, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ping-Tung
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Lai