Comparison between Effect of McConnell Tape, Kinesiology Tape and Open Knee Brace in Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain

Abstract Background: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is the most prevalent orthopedic condition among physically active adolescents and young adults. PFPS is reported to be between 15% and 25% in young adults. Women are affected about more than twice as often as men. Aim of Study: Investigate the effect of Kinesiology taping, McConnell taping and Open knee brace beside the routine physical therapy in treatment of Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Material and Methods: Forty-eight patients (19 males, 29 Females) with unilateral PFPS randomly assigned equally into McConnell tape (MT) group, Kinesiology tape (KT) group, and Open knee brace group (KB). All subjects received interferential therapy, patellar mobilization, quadriceps-strengthening exercise and stretching exercise beside MT or KT or KB. The patients were evaluated by electrogoniometer for knee flexion active range of motion (FAROM), Kujula questionnaire for functional activities and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment. The evaluation was applied before, after 3 weeks and after 6 weeks of intervention. Results: There was no significant difference between the three groups in VAS, Kujula score and FAROM after three weeks of intervention (p>0.05). After six weeks of intervention, there was a statistical significance in VAS and in Kujula score for MT group (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in FAROM between three groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS, Kujula score and FAROM after three weeks as well as after six weeks of intervention in all groups (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Adding MT, KT or KB to physical therapy program might be effective in treatment patellofemoral pain, MT was more effective in improving pain and Kujula score, but not for FAROM, than other modalities.