Academic research articles
Jenny McConnell has contributed to key peer reviewed research in patellofemoral, lower limb, shoulder and lumbar spine problems. These studies support the effectiveness of taping as a pain management technique.
A summary of the most relevant articles has been included below. If you would like to view the full article please follow the link, although a subscription to the journal provider may be required.
McConnell (2016) Running Injuries: The Infrapatellar Fat Pad and Plica Injuries. J.Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. Feb;27(1):79-89
Knee pain in runners results from increased loading through the lower limb, with symptom distribution depending on how forces are absorbed. A comprehensive assessment of lower limb mechanics, footwear, and running surfaces is essential for diagnosis. This study highlights the role of the infrapatellar fat pad and synovial plica in knee mechanics and emphasizes the short-term benefits of taping to unload pain while improving muscle control.
Hinman RS, Bennell KL, Crossley KM, McConnell (2003) Immediate effects of adhesive tape on pain and disability in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. J.Rheumatology Jul;42(7):865-9
Therapeutic tape significantly reduces pain on the step test in osteoarthritic patients and is a simple, inexpensive strategy that increases the treatment options for therapists and patients in the conservative management of knee OA.
McConnell J. (2002) Recalcitrant chronic low back and leg pain--a new theory and different approach to management. Man Ther. Nov;7(4):183-92.
Chronic low back pain may be influenced by repetitive movements like walking, with limited hip mobility and diminished shock absorption leading to compensatory lumbar dysfunction. Effective treatment requires improving hip and thoracic mobility while stabilizing the lumbar spine. This study found that to optimize outcomes and prevent symptom exacerbation, taping along the dermatome can unload neural tissue and reduce inflammation.
Kilbreath SL, Perkins S, Crosbie J, McConnell J. (2006) Gluteal taping improves hip extension during stance phase of walking following stroke. Aust J Physiother.;52(1):53-6
Gluteal taping immediately increases hip extension by 10 degrees in chronic stroke patients (2-11 years post stroke), as well as a small increase in step length on the unaffected side. The improvement was lost as soon as the tape was removed. In contrast, sham taping did not lead to any improvement in hip extension compared with the control condition in which no tape was used.
McConnell J, Read JW (2014) Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pre and 4 Months Post 6 Physiotherapy Treatments for OA Knee Pain - A Pilot Study. Rheumatology (Sunnyvale) S16: 008. doi:10.4172/2161-1149.S16-008
Taping effectively unloads the irritated infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) in osteoarthritic patients, enhancing joint stability while dynamic stabilizers strengthen. This study found that a physiotherapy program combining pain unloading with gluteal and quadriceps training in functional positions significantly reduces pain, improves function, and alters patellar mechanics. Given rising arthritis treatment costs, targeted physiotherapy offers a minimally invasive, cost-effective approach to improving outcomes and supporting patient self-management.
Dragoo JL, Johnson C, McConnell J. (2012) Evaluation and treatment of disorders of the infrapatellar fat pad. Sports Med. Jan 1;42(1):51-67
The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is a highly innervated structure implicated in infrapatellar knee pain, potentially influencing knee biomechanics and tissue repair. This study found that effective management includes taping to unload the inflamed IFP, quadriceps strengthening for patellar alignment, and gluteus medius training to reduce hip internal rotation and valgus stress. Gait retraining and avoiding knee hyperextension further support long-term symptom relief and functional improvement.
McConnell J 2002 The physical therapist's approach to patellofemoral disorders. Clin Sports Med. Jul;21(3):363-87
This study found that effective management of patellofemoral pain relies on identifying and addressing its underlying causes. Taping the patella significantly reduces pain, enhances early activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), and increases quadriceps torque. Treatment should incorporate VMO strengthening, gluteal control exercises, stretching of tight lateral structures, and appropriate foot interventions such as orthotics, training modifications, or taping.
Edmonds DW, McConnell J, Ebert JR, Ackland TR, Donnelly CJ. 2016 Biomechanical, neuromuscular and knee pain effects following therapeutic knee taping among patients with knee osteoarthritis during walking gait. Clin Biomech (Bristol). Nov;39:38-43
Therapeutic knee taping is shown to significantly reduce the self-reported levels of knee joint pain during straight line walking.in osteoarthritic patients.
McConnell J, McIntosh B. 2009 The effect of tape on glenohumeral rotation range of motion in elite junior tennis players. Clin J Sport Med. Mar;19(2):90-4
The specific application of tape to the glenohumeral joint can immediately increase rotational ROM in the dominant arm of asymptomatic tennis players.
McConnell J. 2000 A novel approach to pain relief pre-therapeutic exercise. .J Sci Med Sport. Sep;3(3):325-34
Musculoskeletal problems are often multifactorial and consequently can be challenging to treat. Tape may be used to unload painful structures to minimise the aggravation of the symptoms so treatment can be directed at improving the patient's 'envelope of function'. This involves specific muscle training of the dynamically unstable segment/s and increasing the mobility of the less flexible surrounding soft tissues. Three case studies of chronic low back and leg pain, patellofemoral pain and shoulder impingement secondary to multidirectional instability, are presented as examples of multifactorial musculoskeletal problems requiring unloading, stabilisation and control.