The Effects of Kinesio Taping on VMO and VL EMG Activities during Stair Ascent and Descent by Persons with Patellofemoral Pain: a Preliminary Study

[Purpose] This study aimed to find out the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) EMG activities of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen PFPS patients (mean age: 23 yr, mean height: 155 cm, mean weight: 71.47 kg) participated in this study. KT was attached to all subjects from the tibial tuberosity, following VMO and VL paths, up to 1/3 of the proximal thigh. Subjects' pain was measured using a VAS scale with and without KT. A digital dynamometer (Power Track II, JTECH medical, USA) was used to measure maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and a surface EMG (MP150 BIOPAC System Inc. CA. USA) was used to measure the VMO and VL EMG activities. [Results] KT was found to significantly reduce pain and to increase MVIC. The VMO and VL EMG activities during stair ascent and descent decreased to a significant degree. [Conclusion] The study results suggest that KT is effective for pain relief, increase MVIC and decrease EMG activity of PFPS patients. Accordingly, KT applied around knee joints seems to help PFPS patients during stair ascent and descent and with activities of daily living including walking.