Effects of kinesio taping on neuromuscular performance and pain of individuals affected by patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the knee and its treatment is controversial. This study analyzed the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) immediately and 72 hours after its application on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle, on the isokinetic performance of the quadriceps femoris and on the pain of subjects with PFP. Fifty-four participants were divided into three groups and performed one of the following protocols: (1) control group (CG)-remained at rest; (2) KT tension group (TG)-KT application with tension in the VMO region; and (3) KT without tension group (WTG)-KT application without tension in the same region. VMO and vastus lateralis (VL) EMG activity (RMS and onset), isokinetic performance and pain intensity were evaluated at three moments: before KT application, immediately after and 72 hours after. A mixed model ANOVA was used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5% (p <= 0.05). No differences between the evaluated groups were found in relation to EMG variables and isokinetic performance. A reduction in pain intensity was found in the WTG in comparison to CG, after 72 hours. KT does not alter EMG parameters nor the isokinetic performance of subjects with PFP. However, we noticed reduced pain in the group submitted to the technique without tension 72 hours after its application.