The primary goal of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate whether Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping, when integrated into a standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromuscular control program, produces significant effects in individuals aged 18-50 with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
The main question it aims to answer is: Does Kinesio Taping compared with McConnell Taping when both combined with a standardized hip-knee exercise program, produce different effects on quadriceps neuromuscular activation (VMO-VL sEMG), pain, functional knee pain, and dynamic knee valgus over a 6 week period intervention?
Participants will be divided into three groups for comparison: the control group will receive a structured hip-knee physical therapy exercise program without any taping intervention, Kinesio Taping group with a standardized exercise program, and a McConnell Taping group with a standardized exercise program.
Anterior or retropatellar pain for a minimum of 3 months during functional activities.
18-50 years of age.
Minimum pain of 3/10 on the VAS score.
No LL physical therapy in the past 3 months.
Meniscal or ligamentous injury
Neurological or systemic conditions affecting proprioception, coordination and balance.
Spinal referred pain or rheumatoid arthritis.
Hip and ankle disorders.
Parallel
Kinesio Taping
Other interventionKinesio Taping will be applied to the patellofemoral joint during a 6-week structured hip-knee exercise program.
McConnell Taping
Other interventionMcConnell Taping will be applied to correct patellar alignment during a 6-week structured hip-knee exercise program.
Exercise Therapy
Other interventionA standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromotor training program will be performed for 6 weeks.
VMO and VL Muscle Activation Amplitude
Surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude of the Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) and Vastus Lateralis (VL) muscles recorded during a standardized single-leg squat task. Higher values indicate greater muscle activation.
VMO/VL Activation Ratio
Ratio of VMO to VL electromyographic activity during a standardized single-leg squat task. The ideal VMO/VL ratio should be close or equal to 1; a ratio greater than 1 reflects higher VMO activation, while a ratio less than 1 reflects a greater VL activation.
VMO Onset Timing
Period from movement initiation to onset of VMO and VL activation, measured using sEMG during a standardized single-leg squat task; measured in ms.
VMO-VL Activation Delay
Difference in activation onset timing between the VMO and VL muscles during a standardized single-leg squat task, measured using sEMG; measured in ms.
Pain Intensity
Task-specific pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain; measured during a standardized single-leg squat, reflecting pain experienced during functional loading.
Functional Knee Pain
Knee-related symptoms and functional disability assessed using the Kujala Score (AKPS), ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicating better knee function and lower disability.
Dynamic Knee Valgus
Frontal-plane projection angle in degrees, measured during a standardized single-leg squat to quantify lower-limb movement quality and dynamic knee control under functional load.
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