Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the commonest chronic joint problems presenting with pain and stiffness. As a consequence, activities of daily living are limited and decline the quality of life. Kinesio tape (KT) has been popular in worldwide by its positive effects including reducing pain, relieving stiffness and improving function. However, the therapeutic application tension, direction and technique have not been identified yet and still weak evidence in OA knee. Aims: To find out the effectiveness of Kinesio taping in the management of OA knee. Study Design: Hospital based randomized control trial. Place and duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Outpatient Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in both Mandalay Orthopedics Hospital and 300 Bedded Teaching Hospital, Mandalay. It was started from May, 2017 to August, 2018. Methodology: A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned into group A and group B. Group A (intervention group) received KT plus conventional exercise and group B (control group) received conventional exercise alone. Both groups were assessed in week 0 (before study), week 2 (during study) and week 3 (end of study). Assessments measures were VAS, WOMAC index and TUG test. The amount of analgesic consumptions was recorded in week 2 and week 3 assessments. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics of patients between the two groups. The intragroup analysis showed significant difference in VAS, WOMAC index and TUG test (p<0.05) in both groups. However, intergroup analysis showed more significant improvements of VAS, WOMAC index and TUG test in intervention group than control group in week 2 and week 3 (p<0.05). Conclusion: KT plus conventional exercise is more effective than conventional exercise alone in terms of relieving pain, reducing stiffness and improving function in patients with OA knee.