This critical appraisal aims to provide an extensive methodological critique of the literature surrounding the efficacy of patellar taping for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Three electronic databases were used to search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trials (CTs) between 1990 and March 2005. Twenty-one studies were deemed appropriate for inclusion, and the methodological quality of these studies was analysed independently by two reviewers using the PEDro scale. Study strengths and weaknesses are discussed and conclusions relating to clinical practice drawn from the highest quality studies. Overall, patellar taping appears to decrease pain in the short term, may be beneficial in conjunction with 'physiotherapy' in the long term, and can alter vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) activity. While patellar taping has also been shown to increase quadriceps strength, patellar congruency appears to be unaltered in PFPS patients and the mechanism of pain reduction with taping remains inconclusive.

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A brief summary and a critical assessment of this review may be available at DARE