Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 26 to 44

Taping methods with hip and knee strengthening for patellofemoral pain

Official title: Effects of Mc Connell Versus Kinesio Taping; Combined With Hip and Knee Strengthening in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07831200 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages26 Years to 44 Years
SexAll
Enrollment34 (estimated)
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 13, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 19, 2026
Study endsJanuary 18, 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT07831200 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 26-44 with anterior knee pain during squatting or stair activities, and a clinical diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome, who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with conditions excluded by the study or those not responding to short-term taping and exercise may not experience 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 controlled trial compares two taping techniques—McConnell taping and Kinesio taping—when added to a standardized hip and knee strengthening program for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Thirty-four adults will be randomly assigned to ensure 17 participants per group and will receive a 4-week supervised intervention with assessments at baseline and after completion. Outcome measures include pain, range of motion, and functional disability to determine which taping method provides greater benefit as an adjunct to exercise therapy. The study uses purposive sampling with coin toss randomization and accounts for a 10% dropout rate. Treatments combine taping with conventional physical therapy elements such as TENS, heating, strengthening, functional training, and stretching.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred taping approach could improve pain relief and function when paired with exercise for people with patellofemoral pain.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has explored taping and exercise for patellofemoral pain, but direct comparison of McConnell versus Kinesio taping with a standardized exercise program remains limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 26-44 years of age
* Both males and females
* Subjects having anterior knee pain during (AKP) squatting or stair climbing/descending.
* Chronic localized to the anterior retro-patellar and/or peripatellar region of the knee.
* Positive outcomes of any two he following tests Eccentric Step Test Patellar Apprehension Test Squat test

Exclusion Criteria:

* Malignancies
* History of steroid therapy over 3 months
* Diagnosed Chondromalacia Patellae
* Diagnosed Plica Syndrome
* Diagnosed Fat Pad Impingement
* Patellar Dislocation
* Diagnosed Arthritis (Osteoarthritis \& Rheumatoid Arthritis)
* Traumatic Injuries: Ligament tears, meniscus tears, or fractures.
* Prior knee surgery or invasive procedures (6 months)
* Patients using blood thinners

Where it's running

  • Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
    Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.