Taping vs bracing for patellofemoral pain syndrome
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Fredrick Gardin
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to make a recommendation on using taping or bracing to treat patellofemoral pain syndrome or PFPS in the general population. PFPS is a broad term that involves anterior knee pain felt behind or around the patella, caused by trauma, muscle imbalances, and malalignment or tracking. Kinesiotape or McConnell taping can be used, as well as distinct types of braces such as patellofemoral or unloader braces, and knee sleeves. A search was conducted on Pubmed for full text references within the past 10 years. The search terms used were ("patellofemoral pain syndrome" OR PFPS) AND (brace* OR bracing), ("patellofemoral pain syndrome" OR PFPS) AND (tape* OR taping). References excluded patients with a prior surgery or injury. Strength of recommendation taxonomy was used for evidence of quality assessment and all references met the criteria of a level 2. While there is evidence that different taping and bracing methods are effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The results of this appraisal were inconclusive and therefore the use of taping and bracing should be continued to be used at the discretion of the clinician. This appraisal has a recommendation of a C. The results of this critical appraisal will allow athletic trainers to determine possible treatment options–taping or a specific brace type–for athletes. Few studies have directly compared taping and bracing, so further research is necessary to create better treatments and interventions.
Taping vs bracing for patellofemoral pain syndrome
The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to make a recommendation on using taping or bracing to treat patellofemoral pain syndrome or PFPS in the general population. PFPS is a broad term that involves anterior knee pain felt behind or around the patella, caused by trauma, muscle imbalances, and malalignment or tracking. Kinesiotape or McConnell taping can be used, as well as distinct types of braces such as patellofemoral or unloader braces, and knee sleeves. A search was conducted on Pubmed for full text references within the past 10 years. The search terms used were ("patellofemoral pain syndrome" OR PFPS) AND (brace* OR bracing), ("patellofemoral pain syndrome" OR PFPS) AND (tape* OR taping). References excluded patients with a prior surgery or injury. Strength of recommendation taxonomy was used for evidence of quality assessment and all references met the criteria of a level 2. While there is evidence that different taping and bracing methods are effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The results of this appraisal were inconclusive and therefore the use of taping and bracing should be continued to be used at the discretion of the clinician. This appraisal has a recommendation of a C. The results of this critical appraisal will allow athletic trainers to determine possible treatment options–taping or a specific brace type–for athletes. Few studies have directly compared taping and bracing, so further research is necessary to create better treatments and interventions.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.