Effect of Ischaemic Compression Versus Kinesiology Tape on Patellar Tendinitis
Research Review - Dr.Martichenko
Effect of Ischaemic Compression Versus Kinesiotape on Patellar Tendinitis
Physiotherapy Quarterly · April 2021
Background Information
6 week study. The assessments were performed 3 times: (1) before the study, (2) after 4 weeks (with intervention), (3) after subsequent 2 weeks (without intervention)
Group A received ischaemic compression in addition to the exercise program 3 times per week for 4 weeks.
Group B received kinesiotape in addition to the exercise program 3 times per week for 4 weeks.
Group C received only the exercise program for 4 weeks.
Exercise Program
The exercise program for patellar tendinitis included:
• Strengthening exercises for knee flexors and extensors, and thigh adductors and abductors. Each exercise was performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
• Stretching exercises for knee flexors and extensors, and thigh adductors and abductors. Each stretch was maintained for 30 seconds and repeated 3 times, with a 1-minute rest in between.
• Eccentric single-leg squats with the use of a decline board with a 15–30° decline and keeping the knee flexion less than 60° in order not to excessively load the patellofemoral joint.
Pertinent Results
Pain Level
(A) Ischaemic Compression & Exercise group 73% decreased after 4 weeks, 83% decreased after 6 weeks
(B) Kinesiology Tape & Exercise group 82.6% decreased after 4 weeks, 91% decreased after 6 weeks
(C) Exercise Only group 67% decreased after 4 weeks, 73% decreased after 6 weeks
Resting Myoelectric Activity
(A) Ischaemic Compression & Exercise group 67% normalized after 4 weeks, 73% normalized 6 weeks
(B) Kinesiology Tape & Exercise group 83% normalized after 4 weeks, 91% normalized after 6 weeks
(C) Exercise Only group 3% normalized after 4 weeks, 13% normalized after 6 weeks
Physical Function
(A) Ischaemic Compression & Exercise group 36% improved after 4 weeks 45% improved after 6 weeks
(B) Kinesiology Tape & Exercise group 53% improved after 4 weeks, 68% improved after 6 weeks
(C) Exercise Only group 28% improved after 4 weeks, 35% improved after 6 weeks
Conclusions & Clinical Application
Kinesiotape is more effective than ischaemic compression in decreasing pain intensity, improving physical function, and enhancing activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles in patients with unilateral acute patellar tendinitis.
Currently, kinesiotaping plays a key role in treating patellar tendinitis as it helps to reduce pain and improve function and activity by (1) realignment of fascia; (2) lifting the fascia and soft tissue above skin to create a space above the area of pain and inflammation; (3) providing sensory stimulation to reduce or limit movement; and (4) eliminating exudates through the lymph ducts [15]. There are many reviews that support kinesiotaping role in decreasing pain [16–18], improving muscle power [19], and correcting muscle tone by stabilizing the weakened muscle [20]
This study shows that adding kinesiology tape and soft tissue therapy to an exercise program produces better results than exercise alone. Although not tested in this study, in the clinic we can combine all three therapies (kinesiology tape, soft tissue therapy, and exercise) for the best possible outcomes in the treatment of patellar tendonitis.
Citation:
- Mohamed SH, Mohamed GE, Mosaad DM, Abdelazeim AS, Genedy AF, Elhafez HM. Effect of ischaemic compression versus kinesiotape on patellar tendinitis. Physiother Quart. 2021;29(1):47–55; doi: https://doi.org/10.5114/pq.2020.96425.
