Kinematic MRI Assessment of McConnell Taping before and after Exercise

BACKGROUND: The authors assessed the effectiveness of McConnell medial glide taping after exercise using an MRI extremity scanner. HYPOTHESIS: McConnell taping would not be effective in maintaining medial glide of the patella after exercise. METHODS: Eighteen healthy women (mean age 22.28 +/- 2.02 years) participated in the study. The patellofemoral joint was imaged at 4 knee flexion angles (0 degrees, 12 degrees, 24 degrees, and 36 degrees ) in 3 conditions (no tape, with McConnell taping-medial glide, and with tape after exercise). Effectiveness was determined by measuring lateral patellar displacement. ANOVA and post hoc paired t tests were used to test for changes in lateral patellar displacement at each knee angle and condition. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in lateral patellar displacement at all test angles, between the tape and no tape and between tape and tape after exercise conditions. CONCLUSIONS: McConnell medial glide taping resulted in significant medial glide of the patellofemoral joint at all 4 knee angles before but not after exercise. However, McConnell medial glide taping may be effective under controlled rehabilitation conditions in which exercise is less intense. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Beneficial effects of McConnell medial glide taping may be related to factors other than altered patellar alignment.