Effects of Mc Connell Versus Kinesio Taping; Combined With Hip and Knee Strengthening in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal-related condition that is characterized by insidious onset of poorly defined pain, localized to the anterior retro-patellar and/or peripatellar region of the knee. The onset of symptoms can be slow or acutely develop with a worsening of pain accompanying lower-limb loading activities (e.g. squatting, prolonged sitting, ascending/descending stairs, jumping, or running). This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of McConnell taping and Kinesio taping, each combined with a standardized hip and knee strengthening exercise program, in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). A total of 34 participants (17 per group), aged 26-44 years, will be randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups will undergo a 4-week intervention, consisting of supervised sessions on alternate days. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Group A will receive conventional physical therapy, hip and knee strengthening exercises, and McConnell taping. The intervention includes TENS, heating pad application, progressive strengthening exercises, functional training, stretching, and rigid McConnell taping applied before each session to provide medial patellar glide and improve patellar alignment. Group B will receive the same conventional physical therapy and strengthening program but with Kinesio taping. Elastic Kinesio tape will be applied using standardized I-strip and Y-strip techniques to facilitate patellar alignment, improve proprioception, and provide neuromuscular support. The tape may remain in place for 1-2 days, if tolerated. The primary outcomes include pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), range of motion (universal goniometer), and functional disability (KOOS-Patellofemoral questionnaire), measured at baseline and after the 4-week intervention.