Comparison of the effect of different taping methods over exercise in individuals with patellofemoral pain

This study, aimed to compare the effects of the McConnell patellar taping (MPT) technique added to an exercise program with those of the femoral rotational taping (FRT) technique added to an exercise program on the pain intensity, functional status, patellofemoral alignment, balance and quality of life of individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Thirty-six individuals with PFP between the ages of 18 and 50 were included in the study. The participants were divided into three groups, each consisting of 12 individuals, using the stratified randomization method. All three groups engaged in an exercise program focused on the hip and knee for two sessions a week for a total of six weeks (12 sessions). The exercise program only was applied to the exercise group, the MPT technique was applied to the McConnell taping group in addition to the exercise and the FRT technique was applied to the femoral rotational taping group in addition to the exercise. Pain intensity was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS); functional status was assessed using the Kujala Patellofemoral Scoring System (KPSS), Stairs Climb Test (SCT) and Timed Up-Go Test (TUGT); alignment was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging, Q angle and genu varum/valgum measurements; balance was assessed with the Y Balance Test (YBT); and quality of life was assessed with the Nottingham Health Profile Questionnaire (NHPQ). Although the change in VAS, SCT and TUGT data after treatment was similar in all three groups, the change in the KPSS data of the femoral rotational taping group was greater than that of the other two groups (F= 3.956; p=0.019). After treatment, the resting bisect offset index and lateral patellar displacement data of the McConnell taping group decreased (F=0.920, p=0.015 and F=0.879, p=0.013, respectively). The patellar tilt angle and lateral patellofemoral angle values in the contraction state of the femoral rotational taping group decreased (F=0.722, p=0.010 and F=1.325, p=0.020, respectively). An increase was observed in the resting Q angle of the McConnell taping group (F=1.122, p=0.046), while an increase was observed in the Q angle averages of the exercise group and the femoral rotational taping group in the contraction state (F=0.938, p=0.009 and F=0.938, p=0.011, respectively). A similar increase was observed in all three aspects of YBT (except for the anterior aspect of the exercise group) as well as in the composite score values in all three groups (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a decrease in the total data of NHPQ scores in all three groups (p<0.05), and this decrease was similar in all three groups (F=0.256, p=0.762). The results of our study revealed that the femoral rotational taping technique applied in addition to exercise is more effective than the McConnell patellar taping technique applied in addition to exercise or exercise therapy alone in reducing pain intensity, improving functional status, improving balance and reducing patellar tilt. We concluded that treatment approaches for proximal risk factors can provide more effective results in PFP treatment, and the femoral rotational taping application may be an important option for this.