The effect of patellar taping on patellar position measured using ultrasound scanning

Previous research into the effect of patellar taping has found conflicting results and when studies have found positive findings these effects appear to be negated by exercise. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the effect of patellar taping on patellar position using ultrasound scanning. Twelve asymptomatic subjects (six males and six females (age 20.4+/-1.2 years)) had their patellar position examined, prior to and following the application of tape, and also following exercise (25 step ups). Mean patellar position (distance border patella to edge lateral femoral condyle) prior to application of tape was 6.2+/-1.3 mm following the application of tape mean patellar position was 7.9+/-1.7 mm, this was a statistically significant change in position (p=0.003). Following exercise mean patellar position was 7.6+/-1.7 mm this was a significant reduction compared to the taped position prior to exercise (p=0.001). This value was though still significantly greater than prior to the application of tape (p=0.006). This study found that patellar position was significantly changed following the application of tape. Furthermore, the study found that though low intensity exercise resulted in a significant change in the patellar position compared to the taped position prior to exercise, that change was most likely to have occurred due to random chance or measurement error.