BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) accounts for 25 to 40% of knee disorders, causing anterior knee pain and limiting activity. Evidence for kinesio taping combined with exercise in PFPS is fragmented, so this study assesses their efficacy via systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of kinesio taping combined with exercise therapy in patients with PFPS by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Two researchers conducted independent searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI, covering the period from each database's establishment up to March 2025. Outcomes included pain intensity (measured via VAS or NRS), knee function scores (Kujala score or Lysholm knee score), single-leg hop test (SLHT), and quadriceps strength. Following data extraction, meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 18.0. RESULT: A total of 8 studies involving 303 patients were ultimately included. Meta-analyses showed that kinesio taping combined with exercise therapy was more effective than control groups in reducing pain intensity (SMD -1.67, 95% CI -2.96 to -0.38, p < 0.01), improving knee function scores (SMD 1.74, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.50, p < 0.00001), and enhancing single-leg hop test performance (MD 3.25, 95% CI 1.03 to 5.48, p = 0.004). However, no significant difference was observed in quadriceps strength (MD 3.25, 95% CI 1.03 to 5.48, p < 0.05) among PFPS patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that kinesio taping combined with exercise therapy lasting > 4 weeks yielded better outcomes in improving pain intensity (MD -1.85, 95% CI -3.44 to -0.25, p = 0.003) and knee function scores (SMD 1.18, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.66, p < 0.00001) compared to interventions of <= 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicates that the combination of intramuscular taping and exercise training significantly enhances knee function and single-leg hop test results in patients with PFPS. Furthermore, an intervention duration exceeding 4 weeks is recommended as it may lead to more favorable outcomes.

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