The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Electromyography Activity and Co-Contraction of knee Muscles in People with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome during climbing and descending stairs

Introduction and aim: Ascending and descending stairs are one of the challenging activities for people with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Kinesiotype is one of the rehabilitation methods to improve the symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome.  This study aimed to evaluate the effect of kinesiotype on electromyographic activity and co-contraction of knee muscles in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome at the top and bottom of the stairs. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, twelve men aged 20 to 30 years with patellofemoral pain syndrome participated. Electromyographic activity and co-contraction for RF, VMO, VL, BF, Medial GCS, and TA were measured while ascending and descending stairs before and after kinesiotape. Paired t-test was used to evaluate the differences at the significance level of P <0.05. Results: After using kinesiotape, VMO with Medial GCS muscles and BF muscles showed more (P=0.014, P=0.023) and less (P=0.034) activity in ascending time, respectively. The internal-external co-contraction ratio of the knee joint increased in descending time (P=0.031), and there was no significant change in flexor-extensor co-contraction (P >0.05). Conclusions: The results provided that the use of kinesiotape in people with patellofemoral pain syndrome during ascending and descending of the stair was associated with increased the activity of VMO muscle and internal directional Co-contraction.  Kinesiotape increases the stability of the patella and ultimately reduces pain during the ascending time.