Taping and Patellar Maltraction in PFPS Patients

The Effectiveness of Different Taping Methods Applied in Addition to Exercise in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome(PFPS) treatment is basically conservative, but there is no general consensus on the most appropriate therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to examine the misalignment of the patellofemoral joint with MRI and compare the effectiveness of McConnell patellar taping and femoral lateral rotational taping techniques applied to exercise function on pain, patellar maltraction, functional status, balance and quality of life in patients with PFPS.

This is a single blinded randomized controlled trial, will be conducted at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt UniversityYenimahalle Education and Research Hospital. Evaluations regarding the parameters and inclusion criteria at the stage of diagnosis will be carried out by the Specialist Physician, exercise therapy and taping practices by the Specialist Physiotherapist, and the MRI measurements by the Specialist Radiologist. Fixed probability stratified randomization method will be preferred in order to ensure proportional gender distribution in the formation of groups and participants will be divided into 3 groups. An exercise program that includes stretching, strengthening and balance exercises accompanied by physiotherapist in the clinic will be applied to all individuals participating in the study for 2 times/week X 6 weeks (12 sessions). Only the exercise program will be applied to the first group. To the second group; McConnell patellar taping technique will be applied using rigid tape(Leukotape® P Rigid Strapping Tape, 38 mm X 10 m, USA) in addition to the exercise program in each session.To the third group; femoral lateral rotation taping technique will be applied using rigid tape in addition to the exercise program. Patients' patellar maltraction, pain function, balance, and quality of life will be assessed before and after treatment with MRI and clinical testing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of anterior knee pain lasting more than 6 weeks
• Anterior or retropatellar knee pain is present in at least two activities (stair descending, stair climbing, squatting, running, jumping, sitting for a long time
• Presence of malalignment of patellofemoral joint in MRI examination [Bisect offset index (BOİ) ≥57 and / or patellar tilt angle (PTA) ≥15]

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence of knee trauma history and/or previous knee surgery
• presence limitation in knee joint range of motion
• presence of meniscopathy or lesion in knee ligaments
• presence of patellar subluxation or dislocation
• presence of a neuromuscular (upper or lower motor neuron lesions), cardiovascular or rheumatological disease
• pregnancy status
• presence of MRI contraindications