Effectiveness of Mcconnell Taping Combined with Electrical Stimulation and Quadriceps Strengthening in Patellofemoral Instability Among Female Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial

 Background Patellofemoral instability is a multifactorial condition resulting from abnormal patellar tracking, soft-tissue imbalance, and neuromuscular dysfunction, often leading to pain and functional limitations in athletes, particularly female runners. While patellar taping, electrical stimulation, and quadriceps strengthening have individually shown benefits, their combined effectiveness has not been adequately studied.  Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of McConnell taping combined with electrical stimulation and quadriceps strengthening compared with electrical stimulation and strengthening alone in female runners with patellofemoral instability.  Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 female runners (aged 18–30 years) diagnosed with recurrent patellofemoral instability. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (McConnell taping + electrical stimulation + quadriceps strengthening) and Group B (electrical stimulation + quadriceps strengthening). Interventions were delivered over 4 weeks. Outcomes assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks included pain (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), function (Kujala questionnaire), and Q-angle. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t-tests, with p < 0.01 considered significant.  Results Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in pain, function, and Q-angle over 4 weeks (p < 0.0001). Between-group comparisons revealed significantly greater improvements in Group A across all outcomes. At 4 weeks, mean VAS reduced to 1.33 in Group A versus 2.87 in Group B (p = 0.0001), Kujala scores improved to 86.33 in Group A versus 73.73 in Group B (p = 0.0001), and Q-angle reduced to 18.33° in Group A versus 19.20° in Group B (p = 0.0001).  Conclusion McConnell taping combined with electrical stimulation and quadriceps strengthening is more effective than electrical stimulation and strengthening alone in reducing pain, improving knee function, and correcting Q-angle in female runners with patellofemoral instability. These findings support incorporating patellar taping into rehabilitation programs for this population.