Comparison between Mc Connell Patellar Taping and Conventional Physiotherapy Treatment in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also called Peripatellar Tendinitis in Merchant's classification (1988), is the clinical entity of pain on-activity, on patellofemoral joint examination and on stair climbing, squatting, pseudo locking, prolonged sitting etc [1]. Varieties of conservative treatments are suggested, including quadriceps strengthening, patellar taping, stretching, electrotherapy and biofeedback with no single intervention being most effective. Hence, comparison between the two techniques-patellar taping and the conventional method was undertaken to determine their effectiveness with respect to pain and function. Methods: 20 subjects diagnosed with unilateral PFPS knee were randomly selected and allocated into two group - Group A (Mc Connell taping and vastus medialis oblique's (VMO exercises) and Group B (Short Wave Diathermy and VMO exercises). Treatment was continued for two weeks with pre and post Pain and Function recorded. Student's 't' test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant pain relief and functional improvements. On comparison, Group A showed highly significant pain relief and higher % change for functional increment. Conclusion: Taping and Short Wave Diathermy (SWD) both showed significant pain relief and functional improvement. Taping showed highly significant pain relief for eccentric activities with a high % change in function. Thus, patellar taping appears more effective in treating PFPS.