Medial patellar taping changes the peak plantar force location and timing of female basketball players

Subtle changes in patellofemoral joint biomechanics may influence lower extremity function. The McConnell method of patellar taping has become an increasingly popular method of managing patients with various patellofemoral joint disorders. The purpose of this order effect controlled study was to assess medial patellar taping (McConnell Method) for changes in peak plantar force location and timing while running and dribbling a basketball prior to the performance of a basketball lay-up. Sixteen nonimpaired, right hand dominant members of a female junior varsity basketball team (age=14.6±2 years) participated in this study. Subject bodyweight and height were 607.8±99 N and 1.67±0.10 m, respectively. All data were collected from the preferred stance limb. A series of two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (condition, trial) were used to determine statistical significance (P≤0.05). During medial patellar taping, subjects displayed a more forefoot directed peak plantar force location 89.9±18 versus 81.3±21 mm and delayed peak plantar force onset 141±23 versus 130±29 ms following initial ground contact. Medial-lateral peak plantar force location and peak plantar force magnitude did not differ between conditions, however, medial-lateral peak plantar force location displayed significant trial sequence influences with the latter trials displaying more lateral center of plantar force locations (30.4±2 vs. 32.5±3 mm). The results of this study suggest that medial patellar taping influences distal lower extremity function by shifting peak plantar force location toward the forefoot, and delaying its onset. These changes with consideration for known synergistic ankle plantar flexor-subtalar joint invertor and knee extensor function during weight bearing suggest the presence of increased muscular stiffness acting through a more rigid foot to improve the impact force attenuating capability of the lower extremity.