Investigation of new application technique named star taping in patellofemoral pain: a randomized, single-blind, and placebo-controlled study

Purpose: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is characterized by pain around the patella during functional activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the new method of applying the patellar Kinesio taping (KT). Materials and methods: Participants with PFP were randomly assigned to a Kinesio star taping (n = 14), placebo taping (n = 12), or control group (n = 13). Knee pain intensity during activity, resting, at night-time and during buckling were measured using the visual analogue scale under both KT, placebo taping, and home exercising before and after six weeks. Oedema, performance, knee function, and muscle strength were assessed with circumferential measurement, the Kujala questionnaire, vertical jumps, a 10-step down test, squat test, triple jump test, respectively, in all groups before and after taping. Results: Decreases were detected in pain in each group (p < 0.05) but there were no differences in pain during activity, and buckling in the three groups before and after taping (p > 0.05). Performances and knee functions showed similar results in all groups before and after taping (p > 0.05). The outcomes of all tapings showed that there were no differences between the groups in terms of oedema (p > 0.05), the knee functions (p > 0.05), and muscles strength on the affected and unaffected sides, there were no significant differences between inter and intra groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A 6-week new technique star taping together with home-based exercises have similar effects with placebo taping and home exercise groups on oedema, pain, performance, function in PFP. The effects of star taping technique may be determined in future studies as long- and short-term in different types of injuries.