Patellar taping for painful patellofemoral osteoarthritis (TAPE-it)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The feasibility of knee taping in painful patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJOA): TAPE-it
IRAS ID
322953
Contact name
Michael CALLAGHAN
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 13 days
Research summary
Knee-cap arthritis (wear and tear) causes pain and disability for millions of adults in the UK. There are few effective treatments. Knee braces can help but they can be expensive and two thirds of patients stop wearing them because either their leg is the wrong shape or it slips down. Therefore, we want to test the feasibility of a long-term simpler, cheaper intervention: knee-cap taping. If this study shows that taping is both feasible and acceptable to participants, our ultimate goal will be to carry out a large Health Technology Assessment funded trial to test the extended effectiveness of self-managed knee-cap taping in painful knee-cap arthritis.
Firstly: To assess ‘how feasible the treatment is’, 30 participants with painful kneecap arthritis will receive the treatment package of evidence-based care and taping for 3 months. We will note the number of participants willing to enrol, their adherence to the intervention, how precisely they applied the tape, if taping had any side effects, and how many people do not complete the trial.
Secondly: 15 participants from the first assessment will participate in one-to-one semi structured interviews about their experiences of using the tape as part of the treatment package. Both these assessments will help revise the treatment package and provide insights to develop a large, funded randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of taping in patients with knee-cap arthritis.
Patient and public involvement (PPIE): Five patients provided input into this proposal and were very positive about the potential of taping. One has agreed to be a co-applicant. The group helped plan the first part of the clinical trial. They will comment on research findings and provide input into papers and lay articles.
Dissemination: We will report academic results in a journal paper and at a physiotherapy conference. Our patient group will help prepare a plain English summary and advise on social media for sharing findings with patients, patient groups, charities and clinical / research newsletters.REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0248
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion