Kinesio Taping vs McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain: Adding Taping to a Hip-Knee Exercise Program
Official title: Effects of Kinesio Taping Versus McConnell Taping on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Run by Cairo University · NCT07671482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether Kinesio or McConnell taping, when added to a standardized hip-knee exercise plan, helps people 18–50 with patellofemoral pain more than exercise alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beirut, Beirut) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07671482 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–50 with anterior or retropatellar knee pain for at least 3 months and pain of 3/10 or higher, without recent physical therapy for the knee.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with other knee injuries, neurological or systemic conditions affecting balance, or a history of hip or ankle disorders may not experience added benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares three approaches for patellofemoral pain: hip-knee strengthening with no taping, hip-knee strengthening plus Kinesio Taping, and hip-knee strengthening plus McConnell Taping. It measures quadriceps muscle activation, pain, knee function, and knee movement over six weeks to see if taping offers additional benefits beyond exercise. The study targets adults aged 18 to 50 with anterior knee pain lasting at least three months and a baseline pain of 3/10 or higher. Outcomes include changes in EMG activation (VMO-VL), pain scores, functional knee outcomes, and dynamic valgus during rehabilitation tasks. The trial is conducted at Cairo University with collaboration at PTOC Beirut Arab University in Beirut.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform clinicians on which taping method, when paired with exercise, yields better pain relief and functional improvements for PFPS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous short-term studies suggest taping can reduce pain and improve function, but direct long-term comparisons within a standardized exercise program are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * Meniscal or ligamentous injury * Neurological or systemic conditions affecting proprioception, coordination and balance. * Spinal referred pain or rheumatoid arthritis. * Hip and ankle disorders.
Where it's running
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PTOC Beirut Arab University
Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ahmed El Melhat, PhD
- Email: ahmed.elmelhat@cu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201112595022
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This study is testing if dry needling can help people with knee pain feel better and improve their movement compared to standard physical therapy or fake treatments.
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Taping methods with hip and knee strengthening for patellofemoral pain
This study tests whether McConnell taping or Kinesio taping, each with a guided hip and knee strengthening program, helps people aged 26-44 with patellofemoral pain.
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Tele-rehabilitation for patellofemoral pain in recreational athletes
A randomized trial tests whether a remote, app-guided exercise program can help recreational athletes with patellofemoral pain as well as traditional in-person physiotherapy.
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BFR resistance training vs BFR cycling for knee pain in athletes with patellofemoral pain
A 8-week randomized trial tests whether low-load blood flow restriction resistance training or low-resistance BFR cycling better reduces knee pain and improves leg strength and function in athletes with patellofemoral pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.