Comparative effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in long-distance cyclists with patellofemoral pain

Abstract

Background: Patellofemoral pain is a common overuse condition frequently observed in long-distance cyclists due to repetitive knee loading, prolonged training duration, and cumulative mechanical stress across the patellofemoral joint. Persistent anterior knee pain can negatively affect cycling performance, limit participation in training, and interfere with daily functional activities. Among the many physiotherapy interventions used to manage this condition, Kinesio Taping and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) are widely applied in clinical practice. However, there remains uncertainty regarding their relative effectiveness, particularly in cyclists, where soft-tissue adaptation and repetitive strain play a major role. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in long-distance cyclists with patellofemoral pain. Methods: Forty long-distance cyclists diagnosed with patellofemoral pain were randomly allocated into two intervention groups. Group A (n = 20) received Kinesio Taping, while Group B (n = 20) underwent IASTM. Both groups participated in a 12-week intervention program and followed a standardized home exercise protocol. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, and functional ability was evaluated using the Kujala Patellofemoral Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t-tests, with significance set at p