THERAPEUTIC PATELLAR TAPING TECHNIQUES EFFECT LOWER EXTREMITY RUNNING KINEMATICS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

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This study investigated the effects of patellar taping (McConnell's Medial Glide, MMG; Mechanical Correction with Tension in the Base, MCT; no tape, NT) on lower extremity kinematics in runners with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Twenty healthy individuals and 12 with PFPS participated. Significant taping effects were found for hip flexion (p=.0001) and knee flexion angles (p=.0001) at initial contact and peak hip flexion angles during swing (p=.003). MMG produced more flexion than the MCT and NT. Peak knee flexion angles during stance (p=.036) and flight time (p=.010) revealed significant taping effects, with MMG resulting in more flexion and shorter flight times than NT. A significant taping effect was seen for peak knee flexion angle during swing (p=.010), with MCT resulting in less flexion than MMG and NT. The application of patellar taping may impact on running mechanics.