A comparison of the effect of knee muscle taping versus core muscle taping on balance, pain and functional performance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Introduction
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders which mostly affect young females. A widespread treatment for this condition is muscle taping. This study aimed to compare the effect of knee muscle taping versus core muscle taping on balance, pain, and functional activity in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Methods
Overall, 26 females with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomly divided into 2 groups: knee muscle taping group (n = 13) and core muscle taping group (n = 13). Pain, functional activity, and balance were measured before and 48 hours after the intervention by using the visual analogue scale, Functional Index Questionnaire, and Y Balance Test and Functional Reach Test, respectively.

Results
The within-group comparison showed a significant pain decrease and functional improvement in both groups. However, balance improved significantly only in the core muscle taping group 48 hours after the intervention compared with baseline. The between-group comparison showed no significant difference in variables between the 2 groups at the assessed time points.

Conclusions
Both the knee and core muscle taping treatment caused improvement in pain and functional level of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Also, no superiority of either treatment was demonstrated.