Effectiveness of adding Dynamic Tape® to progressive tendon-load exercise program in patients with patellar tendinopathy: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of adding Dynamic Tape® to a progressive load exercise program in patients with patellar tendinopathy.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

University research.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-eight subjects with patellar tendinopathy.

METHODS

Participants were divided into two groups: dynamic group, which received progressive load exercises and Dynamic Tape®, and sham group, which received progressive load exercises and sham taping. The intervention was conducted three times per week over 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The pain during decline squatting was assessed using a visual analog scale. The severity of patellar tendinopathy was measured using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P).

RESULTS

There was no effect of group-time interaction for the pain (Z = 0.844, p = 0.472) or severity (Z = 1.275, p = 0.286) of patellar tendinopathy. Reduced pain and severity were observed over time (p < 0.05), however there was no between-group differences (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dynamic Tape® does not provide additional benefits when combined with a progressive load exercise program for reducing pain and severity in patellar tendinopathy.