Effect of Taping and Quadriceps Strengthening and Hamstring Stretching on Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and purpose: Almost half of non-specific knee pain can be attributed to patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). There is paucity of information about the effects of different types of combination therapies including exercise and taping and optimizing training variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combination of taping and quadriceps strengthening and hamstring stretching exercises on PFPS. Materials and methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 60 male patients (20-50 years old) with PFPS were randomly divided into four groups: 1) Quadriceps strengthening exercise and taping, 2) Hamstring stretching exercise and taping, 3) Quadriceps strengthening and hamstring stretching exercise, and 4) Quadriceps strengthening, hamstring stretching exercise, and taping. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed before and immediately after treatment using VAS scale, KOOS scale, and 6 MWT test. Data were analyzed in SPSS V20. Results: Compared to beginning of the study, significant decrease in mean VAS scores (P<0.001) and significant increase in mean KOOS scores and 6 MWT test were found in all groups after treatment (P<0.001). However, the increase in 6MWT test score was not significant in group 4. Conclusion: Combination of quadriceps strength training and hamstring stretching improved PFPS in all four groups. Lack of significant differences between the groups studied suggests that combination of two treatments has a similar effect to the combination of three treatments.   (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20140708018409N2