DRY NEEDLING VERSUS KINESIO TAPING ON MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT IN THE VASTUS LATERALIS MUSCLE IN SUBJECT WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

Abstract

Purpose and Hypothesis: Trigger points (TrP) is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal disorders. Myofascial trigger point in vastus lateralis muscle has been reported high prevalently in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dry needling and kinesio tape on trigger point in vastus lateralis muscle. Randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effect of Dry Needling (DN) and Kinesio Taping (KT) on pain intensity and knee disability after session’s treatment in individuals with trigger point (TrP) in Vastus Lateralis (VL) muscle. Methods: 30 subjects with TrP in the VL muscle participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a DN group ([Formula: see text]) or KT group ([Formula: see text]). Results: Statistical analysis (paired [Formula: see text]-test) revealed a significant improvement in VAS during activity and KOOS scores after three sessions treatment in both of groups compared with before treatment ([Formula: see text]). But PPT was not increased after one week treatment. VAS using an algometer was decreased only at DN group ([Formula: see text]). The results showed no significant changes in variables immediately after intervention. The ANCOVA revealed no significant differences between the DN and KT groups on the post-measurement VAS during activity, VAS using an algometer, PPT, KOOS scores ([Formula: see text]). Conclusion: DN and KT produce an improvement in pain intensity and knee disability and may be prescribed for PFPS subjects with TrP in VL muscle especially when pain relief is the goal of the treatment.