The effect of patellar taping on lower extremity running kinematics in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Purpose: To investigate the effects of patellar taping (Leukotape (R) (LT), Pinetown, South Africa, Kinesio Tape (KT), Dortmund, Germany, or no tape) on lower extremity kinematics in runners with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Methods: In total, 20 healthy individuals and 12 with PFPS ran on a treadmill under different taping conditions and lower extremity kinematics and stride characteristics were obtained using Peak Motus Software, Colorado, USA. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mixed factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Results: Significant taping effects were found for hip (F(2,60) = 16.79, p = 0.0001) and knee (F(2,60) = 17.27, p = 0.0001) flexion angles at initial contact, and peak hip flexion angles during swing (F(2,60) = 6.55, p = 0.003). Increased flexion was noted with LT more than KT and no tape conditions. Similarly, peak knee flexion angles during stance (F(2,60) = 3.51, p = 0.03) and flight time (F(2,60) = 5.01, p = 0.01) revealed significant taping effects, with LT resulting in more flexion (p = 0.04) and shorter flight times (p = 0.01) than the no tape condition. Furthermore, a significant taping effect was seen for peak knee flexion angle during swing (F(2,60) = 4.96, p = 0.01), with the KT resulting in less flexion than LT (p = 0.04) and no tape conditions (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The application of tape during running may impact on hip and knee flexion angles at initial contact, as well as flight time.