Clinical Practice 2014, 3(2): 14-21 DOI: 10.5923/j.cp.20140302.02 Therapeutic Taping of the Knee and Its Effect on Lower Quadrant Range of Motion and Strength Paolo Sanzo * , Carlos Zerpa, Eryk Przysucha, Daniel Vasiliu School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of different taping techniques (no tape, placebo, Kinesiotape, Leukotape) on lower extremity range of motion (ROM) and strength. Design: Randomized, one group pre-test post-test design. Subjects: 10 healthy male and female university students. Methods: Participants completed four testing sessions randomly receiving different types of taping techniques. Hip, knee, and ankle ROM and strength were measured with and without tape. ROM and strength change scores were computed by subtracting pre-test from post-test scores. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two way repeated measures ANOVAs. The rejection criteria were set at an alpha level < .05. Results: Inferential statistics revealed a significant interaction effect between type of tape and movement type in relation to hip ROM change scores, F(15,135)=1.73, p=.05; and significant interaction for type of tape and movement type in relation to knee ROM change scores, F(9,81)=3.92, p=.0001. There was also a significant interaction effect between type of tape and movement type in relation to knee strength change scores (p=.028). Conclusions: Taping of the knee resulted in reduced hip and knee mobility. The application of Leukotape reduced knee ROM more and should be considered when choosing a type of tape. Taping affected knee strength but there was not a consistent difference between the types of tape used. Keywords Leukotape, Kinesiotape, Placebo, Range of motion, Strength, Hip, Knee, Ankle 1. Introduction Therapeutic taping is commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders in the knee, shoulder, ankle, cervical spine, and lumbar spine regions. In recent years, the vibrant colours of certain types of tape and high profile media exposure with its use on athletes during the Olympic Games have provided a lot of interest and an increase in its use. The hypothesized effects of therapeutic taping include the facilitation, and in some cases the inhibition, or alteration of the timing of muscle activity [1-5]; the realignment of joint position [6-8]; the improvement in proprioception [9, 10] and; the reduction in pain and frequency of injury [11-13]. The true merit and efficacy of therapeutic taping is controversial as there is conflicting evidence present on the proposed effects. Despite the questions about its utility, taping continues to be widely used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. A common disorder in which therapeutic taping is used is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Knee pain secondary to PFPS is a common complaint with the incidence ranging from 3% to 40% [14]. It is reported to be one of the most common causes of knee pain in active * Corresponding author: psanzo@lakeheadu.ca (Paolo Sanzo) Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/cp Copyright © 2014 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved adults and adolescents [15]. In the United States, the incidence rate for PFPS is 22 cases/1000 persons per year with females having a 2.5% higher prevalence than males [16]. In Britain, PFPS accounts for approximately 5% of all injuries seen in the athletic population, and 25% of all knee injuries [16]. The development of PFPS also impacts on the overall cost of healthcare as it has been reported to lead to the development of long lasting knee pain and osteoarthritic changes that may involve much costlier interventions [13]. Although the exact cause and pathophysiology of PFPS is unknown, several hypotheses are present. PFPS may be the result of abnormal patellar tracking that results in excessive compressive forces on the posterior aspect of the patella. Another hypothesis is that PFPS develops because of structural abnormalities in the lower quadrant such as an increased quadriceps angle or a by malpositioned patella that may affect the orientation, pull, and the force generated by the quadriceps muscle [6, 11, 15]. This structural abnormality may indirectly affect the tracking of the patella and the centralization of the knee cap within the trochlear fossa leading to increased shear and compressive forces in the knee and the subsequent development of PFPS [18]. PFPS may also be associated with abnormal length tension and flexibility issues in the muscles and tissues that cross the knee [9]. Abnormal length in the iliotibial band, or vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, hamstring, or gastrocnemius muscles, for example, may further impact the tracking of the patellofemoral joint [9]. PFPS may also develop due to