Kinesio taping in knee osteoarthritis: mechanisms, clinical evidence, and rehabilitation implementations

Kinesio taping is widely used as a non-pharmacological adjunct in knee osteoarthritis (OA), although its mechanisms and clinical value remain debated. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on kinesio taping in knee OA, addressing mechanisms and effects on pain, function, muscle activation, proprioception, and range of motion (ROM). PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Google Scholar were searched through 19 May 2026 using MeSH terms "Osteoarthritis, Knee" and "Athletic Tape" with related keywords. Eligible sources included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and appraised qualitatively with interpretive weight ranked by study design. Kinesio taping may provide short-term pain reductions that fall below minimal clinically important difference (MCID) (15-20 mm VAS). Functional gains are modest and inconsistent, mostly below WOMAC MCID (17%). Although kinesio taping does not increase muscle strength, it may modulate quadriceps-hamstring coactivation and neuromuscular control during low-load tasks. Proprioceptive gains are reportedly angle-specific (significant at 15° and 30°). Flexion ROM increases modestly, whereas extension changes little. Compared with other adjunctive treatments, it shows lower or comparable effects. Adverse effects are confined to minor, self-limiting skin reactions. Current evidence does not support the routine use of kinesio taping as a standalone treatment for knee OA. Kinesio taping may be considered as a short-term adjunct to exercise and education in selected patients, as it may facilitate symptom relief, sensory feedback, and low-load activity. Methodological heterogeneity remains a significant limitation, and randomized controlled trials are needed.