Abstract
Although taping of the patella is a cheap and easy clinical procedure used on patients with patellofemoral pain, the reasons for its success have not yet been established. The original rationale was that taping could realign the patella, enhance the contraction of the vastus medialis oblique muscle, and as a consequence alleviate the patient's pain. This paper reviews the literature available on this technique to ascertain whether the theories for its success can be substantiated by objective evidence.