Historically there have been many studies looking at the use of kinesiology tape (KT) and rigid tape for knee pain, many with positive findings. Recently there was a systematic review and meta-analysis published looking at KT for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The pathogenesis of this condition is not completely understood but is linked to the mechanics and forces acting on the patella. Typically, this condition is managed conservatively with manual therapy, exercises and often taping or braces, with the primary aims of reducing pain and improving function.
The researchers included 14 trials in their review. As is often the case with a systematic reviews, there was significant variation in the study designs, and also varying lengths of time of study duration. Some studies lasted several days and nine studies that tested efficacy over four to six weeks. For this reason, the researchers chose to compare KT treatment for short-term pain relief: 0 to 3 days (298 patients), medium-term: 1 to 3 weeks (267 patients) and long-term: 4 to 6 weeks (362 patients). The researchers found that in each of these time periods the KT groups had significantly better pain relief compared with the control groups.
Many of the studies also included a patient reported outcome measure – either the Kujala or Lysholm scales, both of which have been validated for use in anterior knee pain patients. Interestingly, despite the significant improvements in pain in the participants, there was no significant improvement in the scores on either of these scales, leading the researchers to conclude that kinesiology tape did not improve knee function. Some studies had the participants re-complete the functional outcome measure scores within days off the initial score, others had approximately 4 weeks between completion. Perhaps improvement in the outcome measure scores might occur over a longer duration as both the Kujala and Lysholm scales include advanced activities such as running jumping, squatting and stair climbing? We have always considered a kinesiology tape to be an adjunct to other rehabilitation such as strengthening exercises and other biomechanical modifications. Improvements in strength may take some weeks to achieve, and not all of the included studies had a strengthening/ exercise component.
Of the 14 studies included, there was significant heterogeneity in terms of other outcomes measured and therefore these measures could not be pooled in this review.
This review did not look at the mechanism of pain relief or physiological action of kinesiology tape, so this remains an area for further research. There was also significant variability in the tape application method and area taped. Whilst this could be seen as a weakness of the study, it could also be interpreted that the method/accuracy of application is perhaps less important, and that tape in the general vicinity will be enough to provide some pain relief?
As always there is the need for further research. However, clinicians can be confident that the application of kinesiology tape around the knee for anterior knee pain is likely to be an effective adjunct in the treatment of their patients.
Luo, Y., Chen, X., Shen, X., Chen, L., Gong, H. (2024). Effectiveness of Kinesio tape in the treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine; 103:23(e38438).