Effects of McConnell and Kinesio Tapings on Pain and Gait Parameters during Stair Ambulation in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of McConnell and Kinesio tapings on knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Materials and Methods: We selected 52 young adults suffering from anterior knee pain due to PFPS to participate. Then, we randomly assigned 26 patients to either the McConnell or the Kinesio taping groups. We measured their knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation before and after the interventions. For the measured data, we performed a paired t-test to evaluate the amount of change before and after the intervention within the groups and an independent t-test to compare the groups. Results: From the comparison within the groups, we found a significant difference in both groups in the anterior knee pain scale score (p < 0.05) and a significant difference between the groups as well (p < 0.05). As a result of the analysis of the gait parameters while ascending stairs in the comparison within the groups, both groups showed significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance (p < 0.05), and we found significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance, in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Regarding the gait variables during stair descent in the comparison within the groups (p < 0.05), both groups showed significant differences in all of the gait variables; we noted significant differences in the double-support stance, step length, velocity, and cadence in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The McConnell and Kinesio tapings were effective in improving knee pain and gait parameters during ambulation in patients with PFPS, but we found that the McConnell taping had a significant impact on pain reduction during stair ambulation, resulting in further improvement in the gait variables.

Effectiveness of Kinesio tape in the treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…After exclusion criteria were applied, 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of intramuscular patches for treating PFPS were ultimately included. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Additional studies were not found through reviewing articles and references included in the study. Both researchers concurred during the literature search and inclusion process.…”

“…The features of the investigations included are presented in Table 1. A sum of 14 randomized controlled studies [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] were integrated, comprising 9 in English and 5 in Chinese. In the experimental group, 4 studies utilized KTs alone, [27,29,31,35] while 6 studies combined KTs with exercise therapy.…”

“…A sum of 14 randomized controlled studies [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] were integrated, comprising 9 in English and 5 in Chinese. In the experimental group, 4 studies utilized KTs alone, [27,29,31,35] while 6 studies combined KTs with exercise therapy. [22][23][24][25]28,30] Two studies combined KTs with other physiotherapies, [32,34] and 1 study used KTs in combination with sodium vitrate.…”

“…[26] Lastly, 1 study combined KTs with electroacupuncture. [33] In the control group, only 3 studies [27,29,30] used adhesive tape without tension while 4 [22][23][24][25] underwent exercise therapy, 2 [32,34] received other physiotherapy, 1 [28] underwent electrostimulation combined with exercise therapy, 1 [26] received sodium vitrate, 1 [35] used McConnell patch, 1 [33] underwent electroacupuncture, and 1 [31] was in the blank control group. Five studies assessed efficacy over 0 to 3 days, 6 studies assessed efficacy over 1 to 3 weeks, and 9 studies assessed efficacy over 4 to 6 weeks.…”

Efficacy on knee function of Kinesio taping among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review

“…Kinesio taping (KT) is the application of an adhesive elastic tape, which has been widely used in the field of sports medicine because of its advantages of economic convenience and noninvasiveness [ 15 ]. KT can be stretched by 130%–150%, and the elastic recoil in KT lifts the skin and increases the space between skin and muscle [ 16 ]. The tension provided by KT can increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, and reduce the pressure of swelling on subcutaneous pain receptors, thus relieving pain [ 17 ].…”