Comparative Study Between Muscle Energy Technique Versus Therapeutic Taping on Pain and Disability in Patients with Patellofemoral Arthritis

Abstract

Background: The patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is one compartment of the knee that is usually affected by OA and is a source of symptoms. Within the PFJ, the lateral compartment is more frequently affected by the OA process than the medial. Patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (OA) is common and leads to pain and disability. The evidence that an increased (or decreased) Q-angle actually has an effect on the position of the patella. McConnell Taping is believed to relieve pain by improving alignment of the patellofemoral joint and/or unloading inflamed soft tissues. Muscle Energy Technique is a form a manual therapy which uses a muscle’s own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to relax the muscles via autogenic or reciprocal inhibition, and lengthen the muscle. Aim & Objective: To compare the effectiveness of muscle energy technique versus therapeutic taping on pain, disability and range of motion in patients with patellofemoral arthritis. Method: 40 participants were allocated to the muscle energy technique (n=20) and therapeutic taping group (n=20). Both group received SWD and conventional exercise for 3 weeks. Outcome included pain (VAS), disability (WOMAC) and range of motion (ROM). Result: While applying Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test within the group, in Group A (Muscle energy technique) and Group B (therapeutic taping). Both group showing significant improvement in post intervention (P<0.05). While applying Mann Whitney U test in-between groups Group A versus Group B there is no statistical difference in-between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The study shows that both the Technique Muscle Energy Technique and Therapeutic Taping were individually effective in improving the pain, disability and range of motion. While comparing both the technique there is no significant difference present in between the groups.