Influence of elastic and non-elastic banding on patellofemoral pain

Abstract

Introduction: Patellofemoral pain, characterized by pain in the anterior region of the knee that is exacerbated by activities increasing compressive load on the patellofemoral joint, is a multifactorial condition predominantly affecting women between 18 and 35 years of age. Once the condition is diagnosed, an adhesive elastic bandage is recommended as one of the treatment options. Objective: To examine the evidence on the effectiveness of elastic and non-elastic taping in postural control, functionality, pain reduction, and muscle activation in women with patellofemoral pain. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using indexed electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and PEDro. The study selection utilized the terms: "Patellofemoral Pain", "Women," "Elastic Taping," "Muscle Performance," and "Quadriceps." Results: A total of 183 studies were identified, of which 142 were excluded based on the title and 19 due to duplication. This left 22 studies for evaluation, but 15 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, seven articles were included, with two showing positive results in postural control, three in lower limb muscle performance, and two in pain and functionality. Conclusion: Of the seven articles that were analyzed, six obtained improvements in relation to postural control, pain, functionality and muscle activation, while only one had no significant difference with the use of bandages in muscle activation. Importantly, some of the positive effects were observed when bandaging was combined with other interventions, such as strengthening or mobilization techniques, indicating that the benefits cannot be attributed exclusively to taping.