Article

Pre- and postintervention repeated measures design. OBJECTIVE: To
determine the effects of patellar taping on knee kinetics, kinematics, and vastus
lateralis muscle activity during stair ambulation in individuals with
patellofemoral pain (PFP). Patellar taping is a common treatment
technique for individuals with PFP. Specific data on whether patellar taping
improves gait variables, however, are limited. METHODS AND MEASURES: Ten subjects
with a diagnosis of PFP were studied (five men, five women). The subjects' mean
age, height, and mass were 36.5 +/- 11.1 years, 173.1 +/- 10.3 cm, and 70.9 +/-
13.3 kg, respectively. Lower extremity kinematics, ground reaction forces, and
vastus lateralis EMG were obtained simultaneously while subjects ascended and
descended stairs, under taped and untaped conditions. Knee moments were
calculated using inverse dynamics equations. Four 2 x 2 (tape condition x stair
condition) ANOVAs for repeated measures were generated for cadence and average
stance phase knee extensor moment, knee flexion angle, and EMG. RESULTS: On the
average, a 92.6% reduction in pain was observed following the application of
tape. Increases in cadence, knee flexion angles, and knee extensor moments were
observed under the taped condition for both stair ascent and descent; however, no
difference in average vastus lateralis EMG was found. CONCLUSIONS: Although
patellar taping resulted in decreased pain and increased knee extensor moments,
knee flexion angles, and cadence during stair ambulation, the vastus lateralis
EMG activity level did not change with taping. Based on data from the vastus
lateralis, care must be taken if improved gait parameters indicate change in
muscle recruitment.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI