Does Kinesiology Taping Improve Muscle Strength and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis? A Single-Blind, Randomized and...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease causing pain and functional limitations.
• Conservative treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for OA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of kinesiology taping (KT) in managing pain and improving physical function in female patients diagnosed with knee OA.
• To assess KT's impact on movement restriction, walking speed, daily activities, and muscle performance.

Main Methods:

• 61 female patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 knee OA were randomly assigned to either KT or sham-KT groups.
• Both groups received standard physical therapy modalities (TENS, hot pack, ultrasound) and a home exercise program.
• KT/sham-KT was applied once weekly for three weeks, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and 1- and 3-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• The KT group showed significant improvements in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores and Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total scores compared to the sham-KT group.
• Both groups experienced significant reductions in VAS pain and WOMAC scores, alongside increases in isokinetic quadriceps peak torque post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Kinesiology taping demonstrates potential as an effective adjunctive therapy for reducing pain and enhancing functional capacity in women with knee OA.
• KT may offer a beneficial, non-pharmacological option for improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.