Effects of Kinesio Taping on Gait Biomechanics in Patellar Tendinopathy Patients

Summary

This study employed two distinct Kinesio Taping (KT) methods to treat patients with Patellar Tendinopathy (PT). It aimed to compare the efficacy between combined KT-EDF (Epidermis-Dermis-Fascia, EDF) with KT-I taping (I Strip Ligament Correction) and KT-I taping alone in improving pain and function among individuals with patellar tendinopathy. Furthermore, specialized equipment was used to assess changes in gait biomechanics before and after the intervention. Finally, this study integrated gait biomechanical data, scale scores, and surface electromyography signals to elucidate the potential mechanisms through which the combination of KT-EDF and KT-I taping improves gait biomechanics and reduces pain, thereby offering new therapeutic strategies for managing patellar tendinopathy with KT.

Conditions

• Patellar Tendinopathy / Jumpers Knee
• Kinesio Taping

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Kinesio Taping

KT-EDF + I Taping Method: With the knee flexed at 60°, two mesh-shaped Kinesio Tape strips were applied with natural tension over the painful area of the patellar tendon. A "jellyfish"-shaped Kinesio Tape strip was then placed with natural tension at the center of the knee joint, aligning its central hole with the treatment area. A thin KT strip was wrapped clockwise around this assembly. Next, the center of an I-shaped tape strip was stretched to 50%-75% tension and applied horizontally over the painful region of the patellar tendon, covering one-third to one-half of the width of the inferior pole of the patella. The ends were secured without tension. Additionally, a "Y"-shaped muscle tape was applied to the gluteus medius, running from the muscle origin to its insertion point. After taping, patients were instructed to keep the tape in place for five days before replacement. The KT-EDF + I taping intervention was continued for a total of eight weeks.

BEHAVIORAL

Kinesio Taping

KT-I Taping Method: With the knee joint bent to 30°, an "I"-shaped muscle tape was applied horizontally over the painful area of the patellar tendon (from the center toward both sides) with 50%-75% tension. Subsequently, a "Y"-shaped muscle tape was applied to the gluteus medius, running from the muscle's origin to its insertion point. After taping, patients were instructed to leave the tape in place for five days before replacement. The KT-I taping intervention was continued for a total of eight weeks.

BEHAVIORAL

exercise therapy

Phase 1 aims to control load and alleviate pain. It includes isometric quadriceps exercises, wall-supported double-legged squats (at 90 degrees of knee flexion), Spanish squats, vastus medialis training, single-leg hip bridges with the affected leg supported, as well as stretching of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and triceps surae. Phase 2 focuses on gradually increasing load and strengthening exercise intensity. This phase incorporates eccentric and progressive loading movements, such as single-leg squats on a 25° inclined surface, lunges, vastus medialis activation, step-ups, and resistance exercises for the gluteal muscles. Phase 3 is designed to enhance functional capacity and facilitate a gradual return to sport. It involves energy-storage activities like jumping, box jumps, and interval running, with progressive increases in jump height, running distance, and speed. Once all exercises can be completed without knee discomfort for 24 hours, sport-specific training may be gradually

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Peking University Third Hospital

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-31

Primary Completion

2025-12-01

Completion

2025-12-06

Countries

• China

Study Locations