QUADRICEPS STRENGTH, KNEE PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE WITH PATELLAR TAPING IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Abstract

Background: Patellar taping has long been reported to be effective in relieving pain in patients with patello-femoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Yet, there is lack of knowledge that supports its use in knee osteoarthritis (OA) management. Purpose: This study examined the effect of therapeutic patellar taping on concentric and eccentric quadriceps muscle peak torques, VAS pain scores, 6-minute walking distance and stair climbing time in patients with knee OA. Methods: A total of 30 female patients with symptomatic knee OA with mean age 51.8 ± 6.3 years and BMI 32.56 ± 3.26 m2/kg participated in the study. They were tested under three taping conditions that were tested randomly; therapeutic, placebo and no-tape. Results: Repeated measure MANOVA revealed that the quadriceps muscle peak torques and 6-minute walking distance increased significantly (p < 0.05) and the VAS scores and stair climbing time decreased significantly with therapeutic tape use compared with the other two tapes. Moreover, the quadriceps muscle peak torques increased significantly and the VAS scores decreased significantly with placebo tape use compared with no-tape use, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) in between for the 6-minute walking distance and stair climbing time. Conclusion: The findings indicate that therapeutic patellar taping is effective in improving quadriceps strength and functional performance and reducing pain in patients with knee OA.