The Effects of Exercise and Kinesio Tape on Physical Limitations in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping (KT) in combination with moderate adapted exercise on the functional outcome of patients with knee osteoarthritis. We included 66 patients who presented pain and functional impairment with osteoarthritis. At the end of the treatment, only 57 patients remained because nine patients were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: (1) exercise group; (2) exercise KT with tension application (stabilizing effect) group; (3) exercise KT without tension application (draining effect) group. We used different methods of investigation: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, the Visual Analogue Scaling Score for Pain, the Timed Up and Go test and analgesic consumption. Our results showed a reduction in knee pain, improvement in knee function and also less need for medication in patients with knee osteoarthritis treated with kinesio taping in combination with exercise for, at least, a period of three months. In conclusion, we can assert that therapeutic knee kinesio taping in association with a moderate adapted training is an effective method for the management of pain and disability limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Functional Anatomy in Knee Osteoarthritis: Patellofemoral Joint vs. Tibiofemoral Joint

“…The clinical outcome for PFJ OA should be improved, increasing the study on conventional pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological treatment strategies oriented to the exclusive biomechanical functions of the PFJ and the specific impairments linked with disease in this compartment. Kinesio tape, bracing, cupping therapy, adapted physical activity, kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy are interventions that all offer possibilities in the improvement of symptoms and/or reduction of PFJ stress and pain in patients with PFJ OA [27][28][29]. There are few studies in literature that demonstrate these important differences in knee joint compartments.…”

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

“…The VAS values of both groups were determined to be lower after treatment. Castrogiovanni et al 11 separated 66 patients with knee OA into three groups and applied exercises only to the first group, exercises and KT to the second group, and exercises and non-stretched KT to the third group. When the VAS values were examined at 15 days and three months, while a reduction was determined in all three groups, the change in the KT group was determined to be significant.…”

Clinical evidence of traditional vs fast track recovery methodologies after total arthroplasty for osteoarthritic knee treatment. A retrospective observational study

“…This index assesses the degree of ADL independence and includes the following 10 items: feeding, personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, toilet use, bladder control, bowel control, ambulation, transfer, and stair climbing with a maximum achiev- Level of pain was also assessed through the visual analogue scale for pain (VAS pain; 0-10 mm), which was designed to assess the perceived discomfort (0: no discomfort, 10: maximum discomfort) 24 . All scores were assessed blindly by one physiatrist, one kinesiologist and one physical therapist during all days of the study.…”