Kinesio Taping Improves Perceptions of Pain and Function of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

The importance of context (placebo effects) in conservative interventions for musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Contextual effects (e.g. patient expectations) may play a role in treatment effectiveness. This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of contextual effects for conservative, non-pharmacological interventions for musculoskeletal pain conditions. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared placebo conservative non-pharmacological interventions to no treatment for musculoskeletal pain. The outcomes assessed included pain intensity, physical functioning, health-related quality of life, global rating of change, depression, anxiety and sleep at immediate, short-, medium- and/or long-term follow-up.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to September 2021. Trial registry searches, backward and forward citation tracking and searches for prior systematic reviews were completed. The Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool was implemented.

RESULTS

The study included 64 RCTs (N = 4314) out of 8898 records. For pain intensity, a mean difference of (MD: -5.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): -7.20, -3.44, N = 57 studies with 74 outcomes, GRADE: very low) was estimated for placebo interventions. A small effect in favour of the placebo interventions for physical function was estimated (SMD: -0.22, 95% CI: -0.35, -0.09; N = 37 with 48 outcomes, GRADE: very low). Similar results were found for a broad range of patient-reported outcomes. Meta-regression analyses did not explain heterogeneity among analyses.

CONCLUSION

The study found that the contextual effect of non-pharmacological conservative interventions for musculoskeletal conditions is likely to be small. However, given the known effect sizes of recommended evidence-based treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, it may still contribute an important component.

SIGNIFICANCE

Contextual effects of non-pharmacological conservative interventions for musculoskeletal conditions are likely to be small for a broad range of patient-reported outcomes (pain intensity, physical function, quality of life, global rating of change and depression). Contextual effects are unlikely, in isolation, to offer much clinical care. But these factors do have relevance in an overall treatment context as they provide almost 30% of the minimally clinically important difference.

Effect of Low-Intensity Bloodflow Restriction Training on Nontraumatic Knee Joint Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Nontraumatic knee conditions are common in clinical practice. Existing pharmaceutical and immobilization approaches provide limited pain relief and functional enhancement. Low-intensity bloodflow restriction training (LI-BFRT) is being investigated as a nonpharmacological alternative; however, its efficacy is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of LI-BFRT for nontraumatic knee conditions and compare it with high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) and low-intensity resistance training (LI-RT).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, China Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases were searched until May 30, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Original randomized controlled trials involving nontraumatic knee joint conditions with interventions consisting mainly of LI-BFRT, HI-RT, or LI-RT. The results assessed mainly pain and muscle performance.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

DATA EXTRACTION

Sample characteristics, study design, country, disease, groups, evaluation time, duration, and outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 13 randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Compared with pretreatment, LI-BFRT significantly alleviated pain (weighted standardized mean difference [SMD], -1.33; 95% CI, -1.62 to -1.05), with better additional effects on hip muscle training (SMD, -3.14; 95% CI, -4.07 to -2.75). Compared with LI-RT, LI-BFRT significantly relieved pain in male patients (SMD, -1.47; 95% CI, -1.92 to -1.01). LI-BFRT significantly increased quadriceps cross-sectional area (SMD, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.27-0.78), knee extension strength (SMD, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.48-1.2), and leg press strength (SMD, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.34-0.94) compared with pretreatment. Its effects were superior to those of LI-RT and similar to those of HI-RT. However, sex differences in muscle strength improvement were observed.

CONCLUSION

In patients with nontraumatic knee joint conditions, LI-BFRT effectively alleviated pain, increased muscle cross-sectional area, and enhanced muscle strength. LI-BFRT showed pain relief comparable with that of LI-RT while surpassing LI-RT in muscle growth and strength improvement.

Acute Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Muscle Activation, Functionality and Proprioception in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Data on the mechanism of kinesiology taping (KT) for providing mechanical support, facilitating or inhibiting muscles, and increasing functionality in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been contradictory, with no study evaluating acute muscle activation. Our aim in this study was to determine the acute effect of KT applied to the rectus femoris muscle on this muscle's activation, functionality and proprioception in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We divided 40 individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis into two groups: (a) KT group (taping with tension facilitation) and (b) a placebo group (taping with no tension facilitation). We applied taping to the participants' left and right side rectus femoris muscles for 30 minutes, but with muscle facilitation in the KT group and without tension in the placebo group. We assessed participants for muscle activation with surface electromyography (sEMG), for functionality with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and for proprioception/joint sense with the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5TSTS) before and after taping. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups before these interventions were similar (p > .05). Muscle activation did not change significantly in either group compared to before taping (p > .05), but there were improvements in both knees for proprioception/joint sense (p < .05). Both groups were similar in terms of functionality (5TSTS, TUG) results (p > .05). We concluded that KT applied bilaterally to the rectus femoris did not affect rectus femoris muscle activation and functionality in patients with knee OA, but it did improve proprioception.

Minimal clinically important change of knee flexion in people with knee osteoarthritis after non-surgical interventions using a meta-analytical approach

BACKGROUND

Minimal clinically important change (MCIC) represents the minimum patient-perceived improvement in an outcome after treatment, in an individual or within a group over time. This study aimed to determine MCIC of knee flexion in people with knee OA after non-surgical interventions using a meta-analytical approach.

METHODS

Four databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science and CINAHL) were searched for studies of randomised clinical trials of non-surgical interventions with intervention duration of ≤ 3 months that reported change in (Δ) (mean change between baseline and immediately after the intervention) knee flexion with Δ pain or Δ function measured using tools that have established MCIC values. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). Bayesian meta-analytic models were used to determine relationships between Δ flexion with Δ pain and Δ function after non-surgical interventions and MCIC of knee flexion.

RESULTS

Seventy-two studies (k = 72, n = 5174) were eligible. Meta-analyses included 140 intervention arms (k = 61, n = 4516) that reported Δ flexion with Δ pain using the visual analog scale (pain-VAS) and Δ function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function subscale (function-WOMAC). Linear relationships between Δ pain at rest-VAS (0-100 mm) with Δ flexion were - 0.29 (- 0.44; - 0.15) (β: posterior median (CrI: credible interval)). Relationships between Δ pain during activity VAS and Δ flexion were - 0.29 (- 0.41, - 0.18), and Δ pain-general VAS and Δ flexion were - 0.33 (- 0.42, - 0.23). The relationship between Δ function-WOMAC (out of 100) and Δ flexion was - 0.15 (- 0.25, - 0.07). Increased Δ flexion was associated with decreased Δ pain-VAS and increased Δ function-WOMAC. The point estimates for MCIC of knee flexion ranged from 3.8 to 6.4°.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated knee flexion MCIC values from this study are the first to be reported using a novel meta-analytical method. The novel meta-analytical method may be useful to estimate MCIC for other measures where anchor questions are problematic.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022323927.

Effectiveness of balance training on pain and functional outcomes in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes pain and increasing loss of function, resulting in reduced proprioceptive accuracy and balance. Therefore, the goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of balance training on pain and functional outcomes in knee OA. Methods: "PubMed", "Scopus", "Web of Science", "Cochrane", and "Physiotherapy Evidence Database" were searched for studies conducted between January 2000 and December 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of balance training in knee OA, as well as its effects on pain and functional outcome measures, were included. Conference abstracts, case reports, observational studies, and clinical commentaries were not included. Meta-analysis was conducted for the common outcomes, i.e., Visual Analog Scale (VAS), The Timed Up and Go (TUG), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). The PEDro scale was used to determine the quality of the included studies. Results: This review includes 22 RCTs of which 17 articles were included for meta-analysis. The included articles had 1456 participants. The meta-analysis showed improvement in the VAS scores in the experimental group compared to the control group [ I 2= 92%; mean difference= -0.79; 95% CI= -1.59 to 0.01; p<0.05] and for the WOMAC scores the heterogeneity ( I 2) was 81% with a mean difference of -0.02 [95% CI= -0.44 to 0.40; p<0.0001]. The TUG score was analyzed, the I 2 was 95% with a mean difference of -1.71 [95% CI= -3.09 to -0.33; p<0.0001] for the intervention against the control group. Conclusions: Balance training significantly reduced knee pain and improved functional outcomes measured with TUG. However, there was no difference observed in WOMAC. Although due to the heterogeneity of the included articles the treatment impact may be overestimated. Registration: The current systematic review was registered in PROSPERO on 7th October 2021 (registration number CRD42021276674).

Effectiveness of kinesiologic taping on function and pain in patients with hemophilia A

Background

Hemophilic arthropathy frequently results in musculoskeletal adjustments that impair functional capacity.

Aim

We investigated the effects of kinesiologic taping on patients with hemophilic arthropathy in this study.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-six patients were enrolled. Thirteen patients formed the Kinesiologic taping group (KT) and received the interventional protocol consisting of three kinesiologic taping sessions during three weeks; and 13 patients formed the control group (CG) and made three weeks of home exercises. All patients were evaluated using the Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH), Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, one week, and three weeks.

Results

The mean scores for the VAS, HJSS, and FISH differed significantly before and after 3 weeks in both groups (P < 0.001). However, the differences in medians after the treatment were significantly greater in the KT group than in the CG group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Kinesiologic taping was associated with physical improvement in hemophilia patients; however, also kinesiologic taping led to significant improvement in VAS scores.

Effectiveness of Kinesio taping and conventional physical therapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind of arthritis that occurs due to degeneration of the joint articular cartilage, producing pain, stiffness, and impaired movement. The objective of the study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of Kinesio taping (KT) plus conventional physical therapy (CPT) and CPT alone in subjects with knee OA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male subjects were divided into two groups at random using a parallel assignment, double-blinded study design, viz., KT with CPT (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and exercise therapy), and CPT alone for the period of 6 weeks of treatment. At baseline, third, and sixth weeks, the following outcome measures were taken, such as pain intensity (NPRS), knee range of motion (goniometry), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Time Up and Go (TUG) test.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

To reveal the patient's demographic profile concerning the outcome parameters, a descriptive statistic was applied. Furthermore, two-way mixed ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc tests were used to analyze within and between-group comparisons in SPSS 20.0.

RESULTS

In both groups, pain and knee flexion were significantly improved during the 6-week period of interventions (p < 0.05). WOMAC and TUG test scores improved only in the KT plus CPT group.

CONCLUSION

KT combined with CPT was found to be more effective than CPT alone in the third and sixth weeks of the treatment. In knee OA, this combination of treatments was found to reduce pain, enhance range of motion, and improve physical functioning.

Effect of kinesio-taping on the acute phase of the post-operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the Kinesio taping (KT) effects on reducing pain and edema on postoperative (PO) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

DESIGN

Controlled and randomized clinical study.

SETTINGS

Individuals of both sexes, aged 18-45, underwent ACL reconstruction were randomized into intervention (IG; n = 19) and control (CG; n = 19) groups.

METHODS

Intervention consisted of KT bandage applications at hospital discharge for seven days, and on the 7th PO day, which was removed on the 14th PO. CG received specific instructions from the physiotherapy service. All volunteers were evaluations before and immediately after surgery, on the 7th and 14th PO day. Pain threshold (KgF), evaluated by algometer; edema (cm), evaluated by the perimetry measurements and volume of the lower limbs and the truncated cone test (ml) were the evaluated variables. The Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate intergroup, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett's test to evaluate intragroup.

RESULTS

Edema reduction and increased nociceptive threshold were significant in the 7th (p < 0.001; p = 0.003) and 14th (p < 0.001; p = 0.006) PO day in IG when compared to CG patients. IG perimetry levels, on the 7th and 14th PO were similar to preoperative period (p = 0.229; p = 1.000). IG nociceptive threshold value was similar on the 14th PO to before the surgery (p = 0.987). The same pattern did not occur in CG.

CONCLUSION

KT treatment reduced edema and increased nociceptive threshold in the 7th and 14th PO ACL reconstruction.

Acute effect of kinesiotaping on pain, balance and gait performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Kinesiotape application is one of the non-pharmacological methods frequently used in patients with knee OA. Guidelines do not have a consensus on its use in knee osteoarthritis (OA).

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to investigate the acute effect of kinesiotape application on pain, balance, and gait performance in patients with knee OA.

METHODS

We included 164 patients with grade 1-3 knee OA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence staging system in the study. Patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), 10-meter walking test (10MeWT), timed-up and go test (TUG-T), single leg stance test (SLST), and functional reach test (FRT) before and after taping.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the post-taping scores of all evaluation parameters in the kinesiotaping group compared with pre-taping scores. Statistically significant improvement was found in all scores of evaluated parameters except FRT scores in the placebo taping group. We found a significant superiority in the mean recovery scores of the kinesiotaping group compared to the placebo-taping group in all parameters except for 10MeWT.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant improvements in both groups. The mean improvement levels in pain and balance scores were better in the KT group than in the PT group.

Effects of kinesio taping therapy on gait and surface electromyography in stroke patients with hemiplegia

Background: The application of Kinesio Taping (KT) on the lower extremity of stroke patients can improve the quality of somatosensory information by activating lower extremity muscles involved in postural control. Gait analysis and surface electromyography (SEMG) are valuable in assessing the motor ability of the lower extremities.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of KT therapy on gait and SEMG in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Methods: Twenty-one stroke patients were included in the study. KT was applied to the lower extremities of the hemiplegic side. Quantitative gait parameters were measured by a gait analysis system (IDEEA, by MiniSun, United States) and activation of the lower extremity muscles were evaluated by the SEMG (Trigno™ Wireless Systems, Delsys Inc., United States) before and after taping. Step length, stride length, pulling acceleration, swing power, ground impact, and energy expenditure were used to evaluate when patients walk as usual. SEMG signals were collected from the anterior bilateral tibialis (TA) and the lateral gastrocnemius (LG). The root mean square (RMS) value was used to assess muscle activity. SEMG signals were examined before and after KT treatment in three different locomotor conditions of the patients: walking at a natural speed, walking with a weight of 5 kg, dual-tasking walking (walking + calculation task) while carrying a weight of 5 kg. The calculation task was to ask the patients to calculate the result of subtracting 7 from 100 and continuing to subtract 7 from the resulting numbers. Comparisons between two normally distributed samples (before and after KT treatment) were evaluated using the two-tailed, paired Student’s t-test.

Results: Stride length (0.89 ± 0.19 vs. 0.96 ± 0.23; p = 0.029), pulling acceleration (0.40 ± 0.21 vs. 1.11 ± 0.74; p = 0.005), and swing power (0.42 ± 0.24 vs. 1.14 ± 0.72; p = 0.004) improved in the hemiplegia side after KT treatment. The RMS value of TA SEMG signals in the limbs on the hemiplegia side decreased after KT treatment during dual-tasking walking carrying a weight of 5 kg (3.65 ± 1.31 vs. 2.93 ± 0.95; p = 0.030).

Conclusion: KT treatment is effective in altering gait and SEMG characteristics in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Does kinesio taping plus exercise improve pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Kinesio taping (KT) and exercise are described for improving pain and function of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients in most studies. However, the question remains if KT plus exercise is better than only exercise treatment.

Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of KT plus exercise in improving pain and knee function of KOA patients.

Methods: The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Springer, web of science and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) were searched till July 2022. People diagnosed with KOA were included. The intervention was KT plus exercise, but the comparison group was intervened only with exercise. Outcome measures were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Only RCTs were included. The Review Manager software (Version 5.3.5) was used to assess risk of bias, statistical heterogeneity and meta-analysis.

Results: The inclusion criteria were satisfied by 642 individuals from sixteen RCTs. There was a significant difference between KT plus exercise group and only exercise group in terms of VAS score after intervention (mean difference (MD) = −0.86; 95% CI = −1.32 to −0.40; p = 0.0003). In terms of VAS at follow-up period (MD = −0.58; 95% CI = −1.41 to 0.25; p = 0.17), WOMAC score (MD = 0.28; 95% CI = −9.16 to 9.71; p = 0.95) and TUG after intervention (MD = −0.74; 95% CI = −1.72 to 0.24; p = 0.14), no significant difference was found.

Conclusion: Although KT plus exercise reduced pain better than exercise, it did not enhance knee function in patients with KOA. These conclusions may change when more high-quality research is conducted.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee in Middle-age Athletes: Many Measures are Practiced, but Lack Sound Scientific Evidence

Osteoarthritis of the knee generally affects individuals from the fifth decade, the typical age of middle-age athletes. In the early stages, management is conservative and multidisciplinary. It is advisable to avoid sports with high risk of trauma, but it is important that patients continue to be physically active. Conservative management offers several options; however, it is unclear which ones are really useful. This narrative review briefly reports the conservative options for which there is no evidence of effectiveness, or there is only evidence of short-term effectiveness.

Comparison of kinesio taping and cold therapy in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of kinesio taping and cold therapy on pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, functional level and quality of life in patients with total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

A university hospital.

SUBJECTS

One-hundred patients were included.

INTERVENTION

Patients were allocated into three groups; control group, kinesio group and cold therapy group. The control group received a standard rehabilitation program. Kinesio taping group received two fan-shaped kinesio taping bands and cold therapy group received cold packs in addition to the standard rehabilitation program.

MAIN MEASURES

The outcome measures were pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, functional level and quality of life. Participants were assessed at preoperative, discharge and postoperative third month.

RESULTS

The groups were similar at preoperative. A significant difference was determined in terms of pain in kinesio taping group compared to the control group at the discharge. Cold therapy was efficient in reducing postoperative swelling but kinesio taping had no significant effects on swelling control. There was no difference between the groups in terms of range of motion, muscle strength, functional level and quality of life. The groups were similar in all parameters at the postoperative third month measurements.

CONCLUSION

Fan-shaped kinesio taping is an effective technique in terms of postoperative pain relief. Cold therapy is an effective method in terms of edema control. Kinesio taping and cold therapy has no specific beneficial effect on functional level, muscle strength and quality of life compared to control group.

Considerations for lactation with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a narrative review

Background

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic connective tissue condition that is poorly understood in relation to lactation. As diagnostic methods improve, prevalence has increased. EDS, a disorder that impacts connective tissue, is characterized by skin extensibility, joint hypermobility, and fragile tissue which can affect every organ and body system leading to complications during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Traits of this disease can cause mild to severe physiologic and functional obstacles during lactation. Unfortunately, there is little clinical evidence and minimal guidance for lactation management, and providers may feel uncomfortable and hesitant to address these concerns with patients due to a lack of readily available resources on the subject and inexperience with such patients. This narrative review describes and discusses the types of EDS, identifying symptoms, considerations, and precautions for care providers to implement during lactation and breastfeeding.

Methods

An electronic search of relevant citations was conducted using the databases Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar from 1 January 2000 to 1 November 2021. Search terms used were Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Hypermobility Syndrome, breastfeeding, lactation, breastmilk expression, breastmilk collection, human milk expression, human milk collection, and infant feeding. The search of these databases yielded zero results. As no research articles on EDS were directly related to lactation, this narrative review includes articles found that related to the health of mothers relevant to maternal function during lactation.

Discussion

For the healthcare provider, identifying characteristics of EDS can improve the management of lactation challenges. Mothers may experience generalized symptoms from gastrointestinal distress to fatigue or chronic pain, while they also may suffer from more specific joint complaints and injuries, such as dislocations / subluxations, or skin fragility. Such obstacles can generate impediments to breastfeeding and create unique challenges for breastfeeding mothers with EDS.

Unfortunately, new mothers with these symptoms may have them overlooked or not addressed, impacting a mother’s ability to meet her breastfeeding intentions. While there are some published research manuscripts on EDS and pregnancy, there is a lack of information regarding breastfeeding and lactation. Additional research is needed to help guide EDS mothers to achieve their breastfeeding intentions.

Effects of Exercise Training Alone and in Combination With Kinesio Taping on Pain, Functionality, and Biomarkers Related to the Cartilage Metabolism in Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of exercise training alone and in combination with kinesio taping on pain, functionality, and circulating cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and -3 at rest and immediately after walking exercise in knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

A total of 22 female patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly divided into the exercise training (ET) or exercise training plus kinesio taping (ET + KT) groups. The patients in the ET performed exercise training for 6 weeks. The patients in the ET + KT group were applied with kinesio tape in addition to the exercise training for 6 weeks. In both groups, 20 minutes of walking exercise were performed before and after the interventions. The pain and functional status of the patients were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMasters Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before and after the intervention at rest, respectively. Blood samples were taken at rest and immediately after the walking exercise before and after the interventions for the analysis of COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels.

RESULTS

In both groups, pain and functionality scores were significantly improved after the interventions (P < 0.05). COMP, MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels were higher immediately after walking exercise when compared with rest in both groups before and after the intervention (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise training and exercise training plus kinesio taping improved pain and physical function; however, the COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels did not change.

Kinesio Taping Relieves Pain and Improves Isokinetic Not Isometric Muscle Strength in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study investigated the effects of kinesio taping (KT) or KT plus conventional therapy on pain, muscle strength, funrefction, and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Data sources: Databases included PubMed, Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Airiti Library, EMBASE, and WOS search engines. Search terms related to KT and knee OA were combined and searched. Articles that met the inclusion criteria and were graded with a Jadad score ≥3 were included in a meta-analysis to calculate the total effect. The exclusion criteria were non-English-language articles, non-original articles, non-full-text articles, no description of the intervention, or articles with a Jadad score ≤2. Eleven articles were included in the meta-analysis. KT treatment had a significant small total effect on pain reduction (p < 0.001; n = 1509; standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.42; 95% CI = −0.65 to −0.18) and a significant moderate total effect on isokinetic muscle strength improvement (p = 0.001; n = 447; SMD = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.28 to 1.16). No significant total effects of KT on isometric muscle strength, time to complete functional tasks, or ROM improvement were found. KT or KT plus conventional therapy has a significant effect on pain relief and isokinetic but not isometric muscle strength improvement in patients with knee OA. KT can be an effective tool for treating knee OA pain and is especially valuable for aiding in isokinetic muscle strength. (PROSPERO register ID: CRD42021252313)

Systematic review shows no strong evidence regarding the use of elastic taping for pain improvement in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

A recent trend in the field of primary knee osteoarthritis suggests that elastic tape (e.g., K-tape) relieves pressure on the joint by increasing tension on fascia. Elastic tape (ET) is expected to decrease pain and help patients to recover faster.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to analyze the efficacy of this method on pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis by using The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score.

DATA SOURCES

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard for reporting systematic reviews of qualitative and quantitative evidence, we used 3 electronic databases, PubMed, Cochrane, and EBSCO, and grey literature was included.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Articles were screened for duplicates, screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria, and critically appraised.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION

People older than 45 years old with primary osteoarthritis (OA) and application of ET.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

2005 Oxford standard.

RESULTS

Amongst all the papers found, 6 Randomized Control Trials (RCT) for a total of 392 participants met the criteria and were included in our review. Three papers out of the 6 RCT had low risks of bias. When the ET was compared to sham taping, the results show no to moderate decreases of WOMAC scores in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis.

LIMITATIONS

We focused on a single index test (WOMAC) and could not perform meta-analyses.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Although ET does not provide strong adverse outcomes, our data do not support the use of ET as a treatment alone because of too slight reductions of the WOMAC score for reaching clinical efficiency. Thus, our systematic review shows no strong evidence regarding the use of elastic taping for pain improvement in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis year in review 2020: rehabilitation and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Systematically review and synthesize guidelines, systematic reviews, or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between April 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020 which evaluated or made recommendations for rehabilitation of persons with osteoarthritis.

DESIGN

Five electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINHAL, Web of Science) were searched with a comprehensive search strategy. Guidelines for rehabilitation of persons with osteoarthritis, and systematic reviews and RCTs evaluating osteoarthritis rehabilitation that included at least one patient-reported outcome measure and/or clinical test of function were included. Two authors independently screened records and assessed methodological quality using the AGREE-II (guidelines), AMSTAR-2 (systematic reviews) or PEDro scale (RCTs). Data were extracted to summarize included records and a narrative synthesis of findings related to core recommended osteoarthritis rehabilitation treatments performed.

RESULTS

Of 2,479 potential records, 253 records were reviewed. Two guidelines, 18 systematic reviews and 38 RCTs were included. 84% (n = 49) of included records related to knee osteoarthritis, 13% (n = 8) to hip, 10% (n = 6) to hand, 3% (n = 2) to mixed, and 1% (n = 1) to foot osteoarthritis. Exercise-therapy, methods to deliver exercise-therapy remotely, and approaches to facilitate exercise-therapy behaviour change were the most commonly evaluated interventions (n = 27). 94% of systematic reviews and 63% of RCTs rated high-quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoarthritis rehabilitation research continues to focus on knee osteoarthritis and exercise-based interventions. Emerging topics include rehabilitation of comorbid populations, exercise behaviour change and technology supports. A better understanding of rehabilitation of osteoarthritis in joints other than the knee, and methods to determine and promote ideal exercise-therapy prescription are needed.

Does tension applied in kinesio taping affect pain or function in older women with knee osteoarthritis? A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the short-term effects of kinesio taping (KT) with tension (KTT) or without tension (KTNT) in older women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and compare them to controls who did not receive KT.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

University physiotherapy school clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-five older women (fifteen participants per group) with 66.8 (±5.6) years and clinical diagnosis of KOA were assessed pre, post and 3 days after intervention.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly allocated to KTT, who received two simultaneous applications of KT with tension on the knee and rectus femoris; KTNT, who received the same application as the KTT group, but without tension and a control group that attended a class on KOA.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was pain intensity and secondary outcomes were knee-related health status, functional capacity, muscle strength and global rating of change.

RESULTS

No between-group differences were observed in pain after the first intervention (KTT vs KTNT: mean difference (MD), -1.8 points; 95% CI -4.2 to 0.5; KTT vs control: MD, -1.2 points; 95% CI -3.6 to 1.2; KTNT vs control: MD, 0.66 points; 95% CI -1.7 to 3.0) or 3 days later (KTT vs KTNT: MD, -1.3 points; 95% CI -3.7 to 1.0; KTT vs control: MD, 0.13 points; 95% CI -2.2 to 2.5; KTNT vs control: MD, 1.4 points; 95% CI -0.9 to 3.8). The lack of between-group differences was also found for secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The short-term use of KT with or without tension in older woman with KOA had no beneficial effects on pain and function. These findings call into question the clinical use of KT as a non-pharmacological therapy for this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03624075.

Effect of Different Kinesio Taping Interventions on the Local Thresholds of Current Perception and Pressure Pain in Healthy Adults

Objective

Previous studies made controversial claims about the alleged effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on pain relief. To date, the mechanism by which KT relieves pain remains unclear. Moreover, pain evaluation lacks objective and quantitative parameters. This study compared the acute effects of different KT interventions on the local thresholds of pressure pain and current perception in healthy adults to determine the potential mechanisms by which KT relieves pain.

Methods

Thirty healthy female subjects randomly received four KT interventions, namely, no taping (NT), placebo taping (PT), Y strips of KT (KY), and fan strips of KT (KF), on the waist. Current perception threshold (CPT), pressure pain threshold (PPT), soft tissue hardness, and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the subjects’ perceived pain were immediately measured after taping. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to determine significant differences in these parameters among the four interventions.

Results

Significant differences in CPT values among the interventions were observed at the frequency of 5 Hz (F = 3.499, p = 0.019, η_p² = 0.111). Post hoc analysis revealed that CPT was significantly higher for KF than for NT (p = 0.008, 95% CI = 1.390–11.990). Significant differences in PPT values (F = 4.352, p = 0.012, η_p² = 0.130) and soft tissue hardness (F = 2.957, p = 0.049, η_p² = 0.093) were observed among the different taping conditions. Post hoc analysis revealed that PPT was significantly higher for KF than for PT (p = 0.011, 95% CI = 0.071–0.749), and soft tissue hardness was significantly higher for KF than for NT (p = 0.010, 95% CI = 0.461–4.586) and KY (p = 0.040, 95% CI = 0.059–3.800). No significant differences in self-perceived pain among the interventions were observed.

Conclusion

The healthy adult females had higher PPT values, lower soft tissue hardness, and higher CPT values at 5 Hz under KF intervention applied on the waist than those under the other taping interventions. Moreover, the different taping conditions had no significant differences in terms of VAS of perceived pain. These results provide guidance for the application of KT on pain management.

Does current evidence support the use of kinesiology taping in people with knee osteoarthritis?

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the current evidence about the effects of kinesiology taping (KT) with different amounts of tension in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (via PUBMED), SciELO, COCHRANE Library, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science and EMBASE were used as search databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent researchers searched these databases from inception until June 2020 using the descriptors "kinesiotaping", "kinesio taping", "kinesiotape", "tape", "taping", "kinesiology taping", "kinesiology tape", "kinesthetic taping" or "elastic therapeutic tape" associated with "knee osteoarthritis". We included clinical trials that compared the application of KT with and without tension in people with knee OA.

DATE EXTRACTION AND QUALITY ANALYSIS

Data extraction included sample description, KT tension used in the study groups, duration of KT application, area of KT application, outcome measures and study methodological quality. The quality of the studies was evaluated by means of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of the 850 studies identified, eight met the inclusion criteria and were ultimately included in this review. Most studies had moderate quality, with a satisfactory PEDro score. Results showed that KT application with tension was not superior to the application without tension for the outcomes of pain, physical function, range of motion and muscle strength. Evidence for edema, balance and quality of life is still limited.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence does not support the use of kinesiology taping in people with knee OA.

Effectiveness of Elastic Taping in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of elastic taping on pain, physical function, range of motion, and muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

DESIGN

We searched the PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, EMBASE, OVID, CNKI, and WANFANG to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome measures were pain and physical function. The secondary outcome measures were range of motion and muscle strength.

RESULTS

Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 490 patients with knee osteoarthritis were included. A statistically significant difference was detected in pain (standardized mean difference = -0.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.07 to -0.50, P < 0.00001), physical function (standardized mean difference = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = -1.03 to -0.43, P < 0.00001), range of motion (mean difference = 2.04, 95% confidence interval = 0.14 to 3.94, P = 0.04), and quadriceps muscle strength (mean difference = 2.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.09 to 3.74, P = 0.0004). No significant differences were found for the hamstring muscle strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Elastic taping has significant effects on pain, physical function, range of motion, and quadriceps muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The current evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions on the effects of elastic taping combined with other physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of elastic taping combined with other physiotherapy compared with elastic taping alone for knee osteoarthritis.

The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping® for mobility and functioning improvement in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Kinesio Taping® method for mobility and functioning improvement for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KO).

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

SETTING

Outpatient rehabilitation department.

SUBJECTS

A total of 187 subjects with symptomatic I-III grade KO participated; of these, 157 subjects were included in the analyses (intervention group, n = 81 (123 knees); control group, n = 76 (114 knees).

INTERVENTION

The intervention group received a specific Kinesio Taping application, and the control group received non-specific knee taping for a month.

MAIN MEASURES

Changes in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), knee active range of motion, 10-Meter Walk, and the five times sit to stand tests (5xSST) were assessed at baseline, after four weeks of taping, and a month post taping intervention. Subjective participants' experiences and opinions on the effect of knee taping were evaluated. The chosen level of significance was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 68.7 ± 9.9 in intervention group and 70.6 ± 8.3 in control group (p > 0.05). The change from baseline in gait speed in the intervention group after taping month was +0.04 ± 0.1 m/s, at follow-up +0.06 ± 0.1 m/s; in control group +0.07 ± 0.1 m/s, and +0.09 ± 0.1 m/s; the change in time needed to accomplish 5xSST was -2.2 ± 3.2 seconds, at follow-up -2.4 ± 3.1 seconds; in control group -2.8 ± 3.6 seconds, and -2.4 ± 4 seconds. Improved knee flexion and enhancement in functioning assessed by KOOS were noticed in both groups, with lasting improvement to follow up. No difference in the change in the above-mentioned outcomes was found between groups (p > 0.05). Fewer subjects (6.2% (5) vs. 21.1% (16), χ2 = 7.5, df = 2, p = 0.024) from Kinesio Taping group were unsure if taping alleviated their mobility and more intervention group patients indicated higher subjective satisfaction with the effect of knee taping to symptom and mobility alleviation than control group (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Investigated Kinesio Taping technique did not produce better results in mobility and functioning improvement over non-specific knee taping; however, it had higher patient-reported subjective value for symptom attenuation and experienced mobility enhancement.

Comparison of the added effects of kinesio taping and extracorporeal shockwave therapy to exercise alone in knee osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Pain and functional limitations affect quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different applications (Kinesio taping; KT and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy; ESWT) added to an home-exercise program on pain, strength and function in patients with knee OA.

METHODS

Sixty voluntary female subjects were randomly assigned into groups of; KT (n = 22), ESWT (n = 18) and control (CON) (n = 20) respectively. KT and ESWT were applied for 6 weeks and all the groups were taken home exercise program during 12 weeks in all groups. The outcome measures were; Visual Analog Scale for pain (during squat, rest and sleep), Isokinetic strength for quadriceps and hamstring strength, 'The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Survey', Timed Up & Go and 10 m Walk tests for function. The assessments were carried out at baseline, 6th and 12th weeks.

RESULTS

The mean age was 58.8 ± 6.2 years. Significant improvements were observed in all groups in all tests (p < .05). There was no difference found between groups (p > .05) except pain levels during sleep. CON group showed significant reduction in pain during sleep compared to ESWT group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

KT and ESWT have similar effects in terms of decreasing pain, improving knee strength and function in patients with knee OA. However it can be said that if a well-designed home exercise program were done by the patients correctly and regularly then it will be the best treatment option for patients with knee OA.

Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

The purpose of this review was to summarize the current best evidence for the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in reducing pain and increasing knee function for patients with knee osteoarthritis. A comprehensive search of literature published between 2014 and 2019 was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct, and Scopus. Only randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of Kinesio Taping on knee osteoarthritis were included. PEDro was used to assess the risk of bias of included trials. This study was reported according to the guideline of the PRISMA statement. The methodological quality of the studies was done using the PEDro scale and GRADE approach. The overall quality of evidence was rated from moderate to high. Eighteen randomized trials involving 876 patients were included. The present systematic review demonstrated that there were significant differences between Kinesio Taping groups and control groups in terms of visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale and flexion range of motion. Kinesio Taping is effective in improving pain and joint function in patients with knee OA.

Immediate effects of kinesiology tape on the pain and gait function in older adults with knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that not only causes knee pain in older adults, but also has an adverse effect on walking. Therefore, intervention for older patients with OA is important. To investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping (KT) on the pain and gait function of the older adults with knee OA.

METHODS

This study enrolled 10 older adults individuals living in the community who were diagnosed with knee OA. All participants were assessed for knee pain, walking ability, and balance before and after application of knee KT. Knee pain was assessed in resting and walking conditions using the visual analog scale. Walking and balance were assessed using a 10-m walking test and a timed up and go test.

RESULTS

In the present study, KT significantly improved gait and balance with reduction in knee pain during walking than non-KT (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that knee KT has a positive effect on pain reduction and walking and balance ability of the older adults with OA. Therefore, this study suggests that KT can be used as an intervention to relieve knee pain and aid walking and balance ability in the older adult.

Effects of Kinesio taping of the knee on proprioception, balance, and functional performance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture: A retrospective case series

To investigate whether Kinesio tape (KT) application improves proprioception, balance, and functional performance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLr).This retrospective analysis included 48 male patients with surgically-untreated ACLr who attended the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, China between June 2017 and June 2018. KT was applied to induce a detoning effect on the quadriceps muscle and toning effect on the ischiocrural muscles. Proprioception, balance, and functional performance were assessed before and 1 and 7 days after KT application using the Lysholm scale, anteroposterior shift of the tibia (APST), active angle reproduction test (AART), modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT), and single-hop distance (SHD).KT resulted in significant improvements in Lysholm scale at 1 day (83.00 [6.50] vs. 76.00 [5.25], P < .001) and APST (8.00 [2.00] vs. 10.00 [2.00] mm, P < .001), AART (3.00 [1.00] vs. 4.00 [1.75] degrees, P < .001), SEBT (96.08 [6.62] vs. 83.92 [7.31] %, P < .001) and SHD (120.96 [6.94] vs. 106.46 [9.03] %, P < .001) at 3 hours (median [interquartile range]). However, significant deficits remained when compared with the healthy side. Except for mSEBT posterolateral direction, those effects were maintained at 7 days.KT has benefits in people with ACLr but cannot fully compensate for functional deficits. KT could be used to assist knee strengthening during rehabilitation.