Kinesiotaping in Knee Osteoarthritis

Kinesiotape is one of the treatment choices for the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Unlike the brace, it seems to be an important advantage in kinesiotape application in that it permits the movement of the joint. However, kinesiotape is conditionally recommended for knee osteoarthritis in the 2019 American College of Rheumatology treatment recommendations due to limiting the quality of evidence, using various application methods, and the lack of blindness concerning its use is not possible. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of kinesiotaping on pain, physical performance, knee range of motion, and postural stability in knee osteoarthritis.

Non-pharmacological treatments are recommended as first-line management in knee osteoarthritis. Kinesiotape was regarded as a supplementary intervention for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Although the results are conflicting, regarding knee osteoarthritis, recently published studies indicate beneficial effects of kinesiotape on knee-related health status, pain, quadriceps muscle strength, and range of motion. On the other hand, the measurements were performed immediately following taping or within a short-term period. The inconsistency of the study data still indicates that the efficacy of kinesiotape in knee osteoarthritis should be evaluated in randomized controlled trials. Therefore a study that investigates both short and long-term follow-up results are warranted. This study aimed to determine the immediate and long-term effects of the single and repetitive application of kinesiotape on pain, knee joint range of motion, postural stability, and physical performance in participants with knee osteoarthritis. The results of this study will support evidence-based reports based on the effectiveness of kinesiotape in knee osteoarthritis and recommendations for future studies.

The participants received kinesiotape application three times with one-week intervals. Y strip tape was used. The interventionist applied the band to the rectus femoris muscle with facilitation technique.

The participants received sham-kinesiotape application three times with one-week intervals. In the sham group, the interventionist adhered KT to the rectus femoris transversely, without stretching.

Participants were taught exercise program training. The exercise intervention was based on quadriceps and knee flexor muscle group strengthening, and knee joint range of motion exercises, in their home.

Pain intensity was assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Each patient was asked to indicate pain intensity during rest at each assessment point (on a 0-10 points numerical pain rating scale; higher scores indicate severe pain).

Pain intensity was assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Each patient was asked to indicate pain intensity during 50-meter walking test at each assessment point (on a 0-10 points numerical pain rating scale; higher scores indicate severe pain).

To determine the baseline and the degree of change in knee-related health status Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was applied. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, is a widely valid and reliable outcome measurement scale in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The scale consists of 24 items and is divided into three dimensions; pain; stiffness, and functionality.

Active pain-free knee range of motion examination was performed by a 360̊ double-armed universal goniometer. Knee active flexion range of motion angle without pain was measured in the supine position while the axis of the goniometer was on the femur's lateral epicondyle. For active knee extension range of motion, the investigator recorded the angle that which the participant extends the knee as much as possible. If there was an inability to reach the 0-degree starting position, the angle was given a negative value reflecting the angle missing from the full extension. Three assessment was performed and the mean value was recorded as active flexion and extension angle.

The physical function of the participants enrolled in the study was evaluated by the 50-meter walking test will the subjects walk 2.5 return journeys between two cones placed 10 m apart along a walking course. The participants stood beside the cone. They were instructed to walk to the other when signaled by the investigator, go around it to the outer side, and walk back again as fast as possible. The time taken the task completed assessed by the same chronometer was recorded

The quantitative measure of the balance and postural stability of participants was performed by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Participants completed three trial repetitions before static balance tests. For the static balance test, the participants were asked to stand with two legs on the center of the locked platform of the BBS. Three evaluations were performed in each measurement session and a mean score was calculated from the three trials. The device provides three postural stability indices (PSI) obtained by calculating the standard deviations of the degrees of an inclination concerning the zero point: overall static postural stability index (sPSI_O), static anteroposterior postural stability index (sPSI_AP), and static mediolateral postural stability index (sPSI_ML).

The quantitative measure of the balance and postural stability of participants was performed by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Participants completed three trial repetitions before dynamic balance tests. During the dynamic balance test, the platform moves simultaneously to the anteroposterior (AP), or mediolateral (ML) directions in 12 different stability levels (level 1 is the least stable; level 12 is the most stable level within a 20-degree range of inclination). Dynamic PSI (dPSI) represents the variance of foot platform displacement in degrees, from level, in all motions during the test. A high number is indicative of a lot of movement during the test. Dynamic balance test was performed on the most stable level with the following parameters: duration: 20 seconds, stability level: 12, and stance: two legs

As the pain intensity and pain threshold may be effected by the gender differences, the enrolled participants were consisted of females.

Inclusion Criteria: Pain for a minimum of 3 months Pain intensity within the last week minimum of 3 according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) at the symptomatic knee Grade 2-3 knee OA according to the Kellgren and Lawrence Scale Ability to perform the tests Exclusion Criteria: Fragile, very sensitive skin, or lesions in the area Inflammatory arthritis Inability to perform functional tests Pregnancy Use of drugs associated with a psychiatric disorder Previous joint replacement surgery for knee/hip joints Diagnosis with balance disorder Disorders that may cause loss of muscle strength in the lower extremities Previous experience with the Kinesiotaping method

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