The purpose of the present study was to compare taped (McConnell technique) and untaped conditions on measures of perceived pain and peak torque during isokinetic knee extension in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Ten males and 26 females, with a mean age 29 +/- 12 yrs and history of PFPS, completed isokinetic tests at 60 and 180 deg/sec angular velocities. Subjects were seated and the knee moved through the range of 110 to 5 deg flexion, using concentric muscle actions with the knee taped and untaped. The tape was applied by a single therapist with experience in McConnell taping. The test conditions were randomly assigned and a 30 min rest period occurred between taped and untaped conditions. Perceived pain, as measured using a visual analog scale, was determined before and after the tests. Analysis of variance tests indicated lower pain scores and higher peak torques with the knee taped (p < 0.01). Taping the patella using the McConnell technique may be of value in the rehabilitation of patients with PFPS, where decreased pain and enhanced ability to use the knee extensors are objectives. Further research is required to determine the mechanisms underlying these benefits, and to compare other taping and treatment techniques in the treatment of PFPS.

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