The effects of McConnell patellofemoral joint and tibial internal rotation limitation taping techniques in people with Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Taping is frequently used as part of the multi-modal management for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). McConnell Patellofemoral Joint Taping (PFJT) and Tibial Internal Rotation Limitation Taping (TIRLT) are proposed to be useful adjuncts to the management of PFPS. However, it is unclear if TIRLT offers similar benefits to PFJT, and its effect on pain and lower limb kinematics have not been investigated previously. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the effects of TIRLT, PFJT and no taping on perceived pain and lower limb kinematics during a lunge and single leg squat (SLS) in people with PFPS? METHODS: This cross-sectional study compared the effects of TIRLT, PFJT and no taping, on knee pain and lower limb kinematics during two pain-provoking movements in people with PFPS. Participants with PFPS (n = 23) performed a lunge and SLS under three randomised conditions: TIRLT, PFJT and no taping. The Codamotion system captured and analysed lower limb kinematic data in the sagittal, transverse and coronal planes. Peak knee pain intensity during the movement was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). RESULTS: Participants reported significantly less pain with the TIRLT and PFJT techniques compared with no tape during the lunge (p = 0.005 and p = 0.011, respectively) and SLS (p= 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). There was no evidence of altered lower limb kinematics accompanying pain reductions with either taping technique. SIGNIFICANCE: Both forms of taping may be useful adjuncts as the short-term benefit of pain relief may enable participation in more active forms of rehabilitation.

To dance or not to dance? A comparison of balance, physical fitness and quality of life in older Irish set dancers and age-matched controls.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine if older adults regularly participating in Irish set dancing have superior balance, physical fitness and quality of life compared to age-matched controls. STUDY DESIGN: This study used a community-based, observational cross-sectional design. METHODS: Regular set dancers (n = 39) and age-matched controls (n = 33) were recruited. Participants were assessed using the physical activity scale for the elderly (physical activity levels), mini-BESTest (balance) and senior fitness test (battery of functional fitness tests). Quality of life was also assessed using the EuroQol EQ visual analogue scale. RESULTS: When controlling for between-group differences in levels of physical activity (ANCOVA analysis), the dancers had significantly better balance, functional capacity and quality of life (all P < 0.05) compared to controls. No differences between the groups were observed in other measures of functional fitness. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest regular participation in set dancing is associated with health benefits for older adults. These results may inform future studies prospectively examining the role of set dancing for falls prevention, emotional well-being and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.