Kinesio tape combined with supervised rehabilitation provides satisfactory outcome in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) combined with exercise therapy in improving functional outcomes in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Materials and Methods: Between November 2022 and April 2024, this prospective, single-center, and interventional study included 50 patients (30 males, 20 females, mean age being 29.2 (7.5), range being 18-40 years of age) with PFPS. The patients underwent supervised exercise therapy with KT for 6 weeks. Pain severity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), while the impact of knee pain on daily activities was assessed with the Kujala patellofemoral scale. The knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score - patellofemoral (KOOS-PF) scale specifically measures patellofemoral joint-related symptoms and functional limitations. VAS, Kujala score, and KOOS-PF scores were recorded at baseline, 2, 4, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Results: The study demonstrated significant improvement in VAS (baseline: 6.06 ± 1.46, 6 months: 2.26 ± 1.59, P < 0.001) and Kujala scores (baseline: 59.68 ± 10.07, 6 months: 82.64 ± 9.66, P < 0.001). The KOOS-PF score showed improvement from 45.43 ± 9.84 to 60.86 ± 12.52, which was also clinically significant. ( P < 0.001) There were no statistically significant differences between changes in VAS, KOOS-PF, and Kujala in terms of age, sex, single leg squat test, medial/lateral patellar facet tenderness, and patellofemoral crepitus ( P > 0.05, for all). Q angle, thigh foot angle, and hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio were not significant risk factors in this sample of the population. Conclusion: KT, when combined with exercise therapy, significantly improves pain and functional outcomes in PFPS. Further studies with a larger sample and longer follow-up are warranted.