The Effects of Patellar Taping on Dynamic Balance and Reduction of Pain in Athletic Women with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome(PFPS)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common overuse syndrome in athletes. It is one of the causes of anterior knee pain in athletic population who attend to the sport medical clinics. Patellofemoral is more common among female athletes especially adolescents and young adults. Patellar taping provides an effective treatment in alleviating the symptoms of a high proportion of subjects who suffer from PFPS، though the mechanisms of pain reduction have not completely been established following its application. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of taping on dynamic balance and reduction of pain in athletic women with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Fifteen female athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome participated in the study. Therefore، dynamic balance was assessed using a SEBT (Star Excursion Balance Test) before and after application of patellar taping. The severity of pain was measured by VAS (Visual Analog Scale). The results of variance analysis by VAS (p<0/008) in repeated measure indicated a statistically significant improvement in pain and in knee function in anterior، anteromedial، medial، posteromedial and anterolateral directions (p<0/05). The study results confirmed a significant improvement in reducing pain and increasing function (dynamic balance) of female athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome after patellar taping.