Comparing Different Brands of Kinesiology Tape for Subjects with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Kinesiology tape is a common therapeutic intervention although inconsistent results are reported in the literature. The purposes of this research were to determine if the Kinesio® Taping Space Correction web cut increases patellofemoral joint space when applied to subjects with PFPS; to determine if this taping method affects patient outcomes; and to compare this taping method using two different brands: Kinesio® Tape and KT Tape®. In this randomized, controlled, double-blinded study, 32 participants with PFPS were placed into one of four groups; (1) Kinesio® Tape with tension, (2) Kinesio® Tape without tension, (3) KT Tape® with tension, and (4) KT Tape® without tension. After analyzing diagnostic ultrasound measurements, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Kujala Patellofemoral Scoring System (KPSS), researchers concluded the tape significantly increased patellofemoral joint space after 10 minutes and effects were maintained for 24 hours. Pain and other symptoms decreased significantly although no differences were noted between groups.