Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of kinesiotaping in treating LPT in athletes, based on the results of randomized controlled studies.
Study Design: A Systematic Review was conducted.
Place and duration of study: The search was conducted through Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro, encompassing articles published between 2010 and 2023.
Material and Methods: The search was conducted through Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro, encompassing articles published between 2010 and 2023. A leader lived by PRISMA and Manuscript systematic selected the study with references to the PICO framework. Randomized controlled trials that included athletes with LPT who were subjects of interventions of kinesiotaping were considered. Since it was heterogeneous, the synthesis of the data was mainly narrative.
Results: It included 12 RCTs that had about 395 participants. A narrative synthesis of outcomes indicated that kinesiotaping may provide short-term pain reduction compared with controls (mean difference = -1.25 on VAS, 95% CI: -1.80 to -0.70, p < 0.001) and better functional outcomes, such as Kujala and Lysholm scores. Improved patellar alignment was also reported by several studies, but the long-term effects after 12 weeks of follow-up were not consistent.
Conclusion: Kinesiotaping offers short-term effects in pain management, patellar congruence, and functionality in athletes with LPT and are to be employed as a supplement to exercise rehibilitation. More high-quality RCTs that have standardized protocols are encouraged.
Keywords: Kinesiotaping, lateral patellar tracking, athletes, knee rehabilitation Genu varum, Genu valgum, BMI, Cross-sectional Studies
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