The Effect of Kinesio-tape® on Pain and Vertical Jump Performance in Active Individuals With Patellar Tendinopathy

The Effect of Kinesio-tape® on Pain and Vertical Jump Performance in Active Individuals With Patellar Tendinopathy

Background: Patellar tendinopathy is a common inflammatory condition in athletes who undergo large volumes of running and jumping. Kinesio-tape® (KT) is proposed to provide pain relief; however, its effect has not been examined on patellar tendinopathy. Objective: To examine the effects of KT on pain modulation for active individuals with patellar tendinopathy during functional activities. Methods: Thirteen symptomatic knees from seven college-aged females (6 bilateral; 1 unilateral) were included. Participants underwent three data collection sessions with KT, sham, and no tape (NT) in a randomized order. During the session, participants performed a maximum vertical jump, single-leg squats and isometric knee extension. The KT intervention was applied according to the KT manual and the sham utilized the same pattern without tension. Pain level was evaluated using the numeric pain scale before, during and after each activity. Function was assessed as maximum vertical jump height and maximum isometric strength.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Anterior knee pain that increases with jumping and/or squatting
• Pain with palpation at the tibial tuberosity, the patellar tendon, and/or at the apex of the patella
• An insidious onset of this pain.
• Participate in physical activity at least 3 days a week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Injury from direct trauma to the anterior knee
• Medical history of surgery at the knee joint within the past 6 months
• Presence of any lower extremity injuries or non-orthopedic diseases
• Suspected or confirmed pregnancy.