Patello Femoral Pain SyndromePFPSNCT07671482
Effects of Kinesio Taping Versus McConnell Taping on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
A study testing Kinesio Taping, McConnell Taping and Exercise Therapy in people with Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome and Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Lebanon.
Trial summary
The primary goal of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate whether Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping, when integrated into a standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromuscular control program, produces significant effects in individuals aged 18-50 with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome, Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, PFPS
- What is being tested?
- Kinesio Taping, McConnell Taping and Exercise Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteLebanon
- Study dates
- Jun 2026to Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- Meniscal or ligamentous injury
- Neurological or systemic conditions affecting proprioception, coordination and balance.
- Spinal referred pain or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hip and ankle disorders.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Lebanon1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
PTOC Beirut Arab University
Beirut, Beirut, 0000
Ahmed El Melhat, PhD, +201112595022, ahmed.elmelhat@cu.edu.eg
Mohamad Ibrahim Baayoun, BSc, +96181852495, mohdbaa500@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effects of Kinesio Taping Versus McConnell Taping on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
The primary goal of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate whether Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping, when integrated into a standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromuscular control program, produces significant effects in individuals aged 18-50 with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
The main question it aims to answer is: Does Kinesio Taping compared with McConnell Taping when both combined with a standardized hip-knee exercise program, produce different effects on quadriceps neuromuscular activation (VMO-VL sEMG), pain, functional knee pain, and dynamic knee valgus over a 6 week period intervention?
Participants will be divided into three groups for comparison: the control group will receive a structured hip-knee physical therapy exercise program without any taping intervention, Kinesio Taping group with a standardized exercise program, and a McConnell Taping group with a standardized exercise program.
Read the detailed description
Kinesio Taping and McConnell Taping are commonly used as adjuncts to exercise therapy in the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Both techniques have been shown to improve pain and function in the short term; however, evidence directly comparing their long-term effects when combined with a standardized exercise program remains limited. Furthermore, the influence of taping modality on quadriceps muscle activation and lower-limb kinematic patterns during rehabilitation has not been fully established.
Based on this, the investigators hypothesize that both interventions will improve clinical and neuromuscular outcomes.
- Conditions
- Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome, Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, PFPS, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Patellofemoral Disorder, Patellofemoral Pain, PFP
- Being tested
- Kinesio Taping, McConnell Taping, Exercise Therapy
- Keywords
- Electromyography, EMG, Kinesio Taping, McConnell Taping, Exercise Therapy, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Single-Leg Squat
- Medical subject headings
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kinesio TapingOther
Also called Elastic Kinesio Taping, Kinesiology Taping, K-Tape
Kinesio Taping will be applied to the patellofemoral joint during a 6-week structured hip-knee exercise program.
McConnell TapingOther
Also called Patellar Taping, Non-Elastic Taping
McConnell Taping will be applied to correct patellar alignment during a 6-week structured hip-knee exercise program.
Exercise TherapyOther
Also called Exercise
A standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromotor training program will be performed for 6 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Tape Group | Experimental | The subjects will receive Kinesio Taping combined with the structured exercise program. Receives: Other: Kinesio Taping |
| McConnell Taping Group | Experimental | The subjects will receive McConnell Taping combined with the structured exercise program. Receives: Other: McConnell Taping |
| Exercise Only Group | Active comparator | A standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromotor training program will be performed for 6 weeks. Receives: Other: Exercise Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
VMO and VL Muscle Activation Amplitude
Surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude of the Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) and Vastus Lateralis (VL) muscles recorded during a standardized single-leg squat task. Higher values indicate greater muscle activation.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
VMO/VL Activation Ratio
Ratio of VMO to VL electromyographic activity during a standardized single-leg squat task. The ideal VMO/VL ratio should be close or equal to 1; a ratio greater than 1 reflects higher VMO activation, while a ratio less than 1 reflects a greater VL activation.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
VMO Onset Timing
Period from movement initiation to onset of VMO and VL activation, measured using sEMG during a standardized single-leg squat task; measured in ms.
Measured: Baseline to post-intervention (6 weeks).
VMO-VL Activation Delay
Difference in activation onset timing between the VMO and VL muscles during a standardized single-leg squat task, measured using sEMG; measured in ms.
Measured: Baseline to post-intervention (6 weeks).
Secondary outcomes (3)
Pain Intensity
Task-specific pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain; measured during a standardized single-leg squat, reflecting pain experienced during functional loading.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Functional Knee Pain
Knee-related symptoms and functional disability assessed using the Kujala Score (AKPS), ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicating better knee function and lower disability.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Dynamic Knee Valgus
Frontal-plane projection angle in degrees, measured during a standardized single-leg squat to quantify lower-limb movement quality and dynamic knee control under functional load.
Measured: Baseline and post intervention (6 weeks).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Jun 2026
- Study startJun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionSep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionOct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Patello Femoral Pain SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ahmed ElMelhat, Cairo University
- Investigators
- Ahmed El Melhat, PhD, Study director, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07671482
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KT vs McT and exercise in PFPS
- Acronym
- PFPS
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Jiao H, Tao M, Cui X. Efficacy on pain and knee function of Kinesio taping among patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 Apr 21;26(1):388. doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-08627-7.
PubMed 40259274Chang WD, Chen FC, Lee CL, Lin HY, Lai PT. Effects of Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:471208. doi: 10.1155/2015/471208. Epub 2015 Jun 21.
PubMed 26185517Pereira PM, Baptista JS, Conceicao F, Duarte J, Ferraz J, Costa JT. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Risk Associated with Squats: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 28;19(15):9241. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159241.
PubMed 35954598
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Kinesio Taping Versus McConnell Taping on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07671482
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PFPS / KT vs McT and exercise in PFPS
- Conditions
- Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome, Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, PFPS, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Patellofemoral Disorder, Patellofemoral Pain, PFP
- Keywords
- Electromyography, EMG, Kinesio Taping, McConnell Taping, Exercise Therapy, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Single-Leg Squat
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary goal of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate whether Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping, when integrated into a standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromuscular control program, produces significant effects in individuals aged 18-50 with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
The main question it aims to answer is: Does Kinesio Taping compared with McConnell Taping when both combined with a standardized hip-knee exercise program, produce different effects on quadriceps neuromuscular activation (VMO-VL sEMG), pain, functional knee pain, and dynamic knee valgus over a 6 week period intervention?
Participants will be divided into three groups for comparison: the control group will receive a structured hip-knee physical therapy exercise program without any taping intervention, Kinesio Taping group with a standardized exercise program, and a McConnell Taping group with a standardized exercise program.
Detailed description
Kinesio Taping and McConnell Taping are commonly used as adjuncts to exercise therapy in the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Both techniques have been shown to improve pain and function in the short term; however, evidence directly comparing their long-term effects when combined with a standardized exercise program remains limited. Furthermore, the influence of taping modality on quadriceps muscle activation and lower-limb kinematic patterns during rehabilitation has not been fully established.
Based on this, the investigators hypothesize that both interventions will improve clinical and neuromuscular outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Tape Group | Experimental | Other: Kinesio TapingThe subjects will receive Kinesio Taping combined with the structured exercise program. |
| McConnell Taping Group | Experimental | Other: McConnell TapingThe subjects will receive McConnell Taping combined with the structured exercise program. |
| Exercise Only Group | Active comparator | Other: Exercise TherapyA standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromotor training program will be performed for 6 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Meniscal or ligamentous injury
- Neurological or systemic conditions affecting proprioception, coordination and balance.
- Spinal referred pain or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hip and ankle disorders.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio TapingAlso: Elastic Kinesio Taping, Kinesiology Taping, K-TapeKinesio Taping will be applied to the patellofemoral joint during a 6-week structured hip-knee exercise program. | Other | Kinesio Tape Group |
| McConnell TapingAlso: Patellar Taping, Non-Elastic TapingMcConnell Taping will be applied to correct patellar alignment during a 6-week structured hip-knee exercise program. | Other | McConnell Taping Group |
| Exercise TherapyAlso: ExerciseA standardized hip-knee strengthening and neuromotor training program will be performed for 6 weeks. | Other | Exercise Only Group |
Primary outcome
VMO and VL Muscle Activation Amplitude
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude of the Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) and Vastus Lateralis (VL) muscles recorded during a standardized single-leg squat task. Higher values indicate greater muscle activation.
VMO/VL Activation Ratio
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Ratio of VMO to VL electromyographic activity during a standardized single-leg squat task. The ideal VMO/VL ratio should be close or equal to 1; a ratio greater than 1 reflects higher VMO activation, while a ratio less than 1 reflects a greater VL activation.
VMO Onset Timing
Time frame: Baseline to post-intervention (6 weeks).
Period from movement initiation to onset of VMO and VL activation, measured using sEMG during a standardized single-leg squat task; measured in ms.
VMO-VL Activation Delay
Time frame: Baseline to post-intervention (6 weeks).
Difference in activation onset timing between the VMO and VL muscles during a standardized single-leg squat task, measured using sEMG; measured in ms.
3 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Functional Knee Pain
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Dynamic Knee Valgus
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention (6 weeks).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Jun 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 40259274Jiao H, Tao M, Cui X. Efficacy on pain and knee function of Kinesio taping among patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025 Apr 21;26(1):388. doi: 10.1186/s12891-025-08627-7.
- Results publication: PubMed 26185517Chang WD, Chen FC, Lee CL, Lin HY, Lai PT. Effects of Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:471208. doi: 10.1155/2015/471208. Epub 2015 Jun 21.
- Results publication: PubMed 35954598Pereira PM, Baptista JS, Conceicao F, Duarte J, Ferraz J, Costa JT. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Risk Associated with Squats: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 28;19(15):9241. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159241.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Ahmed El Melhat, PhD study director
Cairo University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kinesio Taping, McConnell Taping and Exercise Therapy in people with Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome and Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Lebanon.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Lebanon. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Ahmed El Melhat, PhD (+201112595022, ahmed.elmelhat@cu.edu.eg), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
VMO and VL Muscle Activation Amplitude (time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07671482, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Jun 2026.