The effect of patellar taping on quadriceps peak torque and perceived pain: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of corrective patellar taping on quadriceps peak torque and perceived pain levels of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) patients, while carrying out maximal quadriceps contractions. Method: Fourteen clinically diagnosed PFPS patients had their eccentric and concentric quadriceps peak torques assessed on an isokinetic dynamometer. This procedure was performed with and without corrective patella taping at the contraction velocities of 60 and 180 degrees per second. Perceived pain levels were assessed using a visual analogue scale. Results: In all subjects patella taping reduced perceived pain levels and improved peak torque during both eccentric and concentric contraction modes and at both testing velocities, these changes were all statistically significant (P<0·01). Perceived pain levels were lower at the higher testing speed, for both taped and un-taped situations. Conclusion: These findings have a number of potential treatment implications. Firstly, the relatively greater decrease in pain at the higher testing velocity would indicate the use of faster speeds when treating PFPS. Secondly, taping of the patella provides a useful adjunct to treatment, especially if the goal of treatment is improvement in quadriceps strength, facilitating greater levels of force generation in the quadriceps.