The Effect of Kinesio-tape® on Pain and Vertical Jump Performance in Active Individuals With Patellar Tendinopathy

University of Hawaii13 enrolled

Overview

Background: Patellar tendinopathy is a common inflammatory condition in athletes who undergo large volumes of running and jumping. Kinesio-tape® (KT) is proposed to provide pain relief; however, its effect has not been examined on patellar tendinopathy. Objective: To examine the effects of KT on pain modulation for active individuals with patellar tendinopathy during functional activities. Methods: Thirteen symptomatic knees from seven college-aged females (6 bilateral; 1 unilateral) were included. Participants underwent three data collection sessions with KT, sham, and no tape (NT) in a randomized order. During the session, participants performed a maximum vertical jump, single-leg squats and isometric knee extension. The KT intervention was applied according to the KT manual and the sham utilized the same pattern without tension. Pain level was evaluated using the numeric pain scale before, during and after each activity. Function was assessed as maximum vertical jump height and maximum isometric strength.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Patellar Tendinitis

Interventions

KinesiotapeOTHER

Kinesio-tape® is an elastic, hypoallergenic, cotton-fiber tape with acrylic heat-activated backing and is widely used within sports.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Anterior knee pain that increases with jumping and/or squatting * Pain with palpation at the tibial tuberosity, the patellar tendon, and/or at the apex of the patella * An insidious onset of this pain. * Participate in physical activity at least 3 days a week Exclusion Criteria: * Injury from direct trauma to the anterior knee * Medical history of surgery at the knee joint within the past 6 months * Presence of any lower extremity injuries or non-orthopedic diseases * Suspected or confirmed pregnancy.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in pain level from no tape condition

measured using the Numeric Pain Scale ranging from zero to ten, with zero representing no pain, five as moderate pain and ten being unbearable pain.

Time frame: at 3 different time point, with kinesiotape, sham tape, and not tape conditions, which are separated by 3 to 7 days

Change in maximum vertical jump height from no tape condition

measured using a Vertec measurement system in inches

Time frame: at 3 different time point, with kinesiotape, sham tape, and not tape conditions, which are separated by 3 to 7 days

Change in maximum isometric strength from no tape condition

measured using a MicroFet2 Hand Held Dynamometer in Newton metre

Time frame: at 3 different time point, with kinesiotape, sham tape, and not tape conditions, which are separated by 3 to 7 days