Effects of Kinesio Taping on Gait Biomechanics in Patellar Tendinopathy Patients

"KT-EDF+I Taping method: flex the knee 60° and apply two mesh Kinesio tape strips with natural tension to the painful area of the patellar tendon. Use a jellyfish-shaped Kinesio tape strip with natural tension to the center of the knee joint, aligning the center hole with the treatment area. Apply a thin KT strip clockwise around the tape strip. Then, stretch the center of an I-type tape strip to 50%-75% tension and apply it horizontally to the painful area of the patellar tendon, covering 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the inferior pole of the patella. Secure the ends without tension., and a Y-shaped muscle tape to apply to the gluteus medius (from the muscle origin to the insertion point).~After KT taping, patients were instructed to maintain the taping for 5 days before replacing it. KT-EDF+I taping intervention was continued for 8 weeks."

"KT-I taping method: bend the knee joint 30°, use an I-shaped muscle tape to apply horizontally to the painful area of the patellar tendon (from the middle to the sides) with 50%-75% tension, and then use a Y-shaped muscle tape to apply to the gluteus medius (from the muscle origin to the insertion point).~After KT taping, patients were instructed to maintain the taping for 5 days before replacing it. KT-I taping intervention was continued for 8 weeks."

"Phase 1 aims to control load and reduce pain. This includes quadriceps isometric exercises, double-legged squats with the knees bent 90 degrees against a wall, Spanish squats, vastus medialis exercises, single-leg hip bridges with the affected leg supported, and stretches for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf triceps.~Phase 2 aims to gradually increase load and strengthen the training. This includes eccentric and progressive loading exercises. This includes single-leg squats on a 25° incline, lunges, vastus medialis exercises, step-ups, and gluteus resistance exercises.~Phase 3 aims to strengthen function and gradually return to sports. Energy-conserving exercises such as jumping, box jumps, and interval running are performed, gradually increasing jump height, running distance, and speed. After completing all of these exercises and experiencing no knee discomfort for 24 hours, specific exercises can be gradually introduced."