The effects of McConnell patellofemoral joint and tibial internal rotation limitation taping techniques in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background: Taping is frequently used as part of the multi-modal management for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). McConnell Patellofemoral Joint Taping (PFJT) and Tibial Internal Rotation Limitation Taping (TIRLT) are proposed to be useful adjuncts to the management of PFPS. However, it is unclear if TIRLT offers similar benefits to PFJT, and its effect on pain and lower limb kinematics have not been investigated previously. Research question: What are the effects of TIRLT, PFJT and no taping on perceived pain and lower limb kinematics during a lunge and single leg squat (SLS) in people with PFPS? Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the effects of TIRLT, PFJT and no taping, on knee pain and lower limb kinematics during two pain-provoking movements in people with PFPS. Participants with PFPS (n = 23) performed a lunge and SLS under three randomised conditions: TIRLT, PFJT and no taping. The Codamotion system captured and analysed lower limb kinematic data in the sagittal, transverse and coronal planes. Peak knee pain intensity during the movement was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Results: Participants reported significantly less pain with the TIRLT and PFJT techniques compared with no tape during the lunge (p =0.005 and p =0.011, respectively) and SLS (p=0.002 and p =0.001, respectively). There was no evidence of altered lower limb kinematics accompanying pain reductions with either taping technique. Significance: Both forms of taping may be useful adjuncts as the short-term benefit of pain relief may enable participation in more active forms of rehabilitation.