Prolonged Taping with Exercise Therapy for Patellofemoral Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of prolonged taping on patellofemoral pain (PFP). Methods: A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), CiNAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from database inception to 28 June 2024. Eligible studies reported PFP patients over 18 years of age undergoing an exercise protocol with additional taping that was maintained outside of exercise sessions (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023422792). Results: Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria with 348 patients (n = 221 Kinesio taping, McConnell taping n = 127). For pain, the Kinesio baseline scores were 5.73 (95% CI: 4.73–6.73, I2= 97%), and the McConnell scores were 5.05 (95% CI: 3.82–6.28, I2 = 95%). At the combined recent follow-up, the Kinesio scores were 2.14 (95% CI: 1.11–3.18, I2 = 98%), and the McConnell scores were 2.58 (95% CI: 0.79–4.37, I2 = 98%). For functionality, the Kinesio baseline scores were 64.19 (95% CI: 53.70–74.68, I2 = 98%), and the McConnell scores were 68.02 (95% CI: 65.76–70.28, I2 = 0%). At the combined recent follow-up, the Kinesio scores were 84.23 (95% CI: 79.44–89.01, I2 = 95%), and the McConnell scores were 86.00 (95% CI: 83.82–88.17, I2 = 0%). The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was achieved for both modalities at 6 weeks and beyond. Conclusions: Prolonged taping that remains on PFP patients outside of isolated exercise sessions appears beneficial in reducing pain and increasing functionality.