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

Effects of kinesiotaping during early post-operative rehabilitation in individuals who underwent a total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

OBJECTIVE

To report the treatment effects of early use kinesiotaping on pain, range of motion, mobility, and edema outcomes following total knee arthroplasty.

DATA SOURCES

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMED, SPORTDiscus, Biosis Citation Index, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for potential randomized control trials from inception to 8 January 2024.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomized control trials evaluating the effect of kinesiotaping published in English were included. Reference lists for relevant reviews were searched. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Seven articles totaling 534 participants were included for meta-analysis. Kinesiotaping with standard rehabilitation when compared to standard rehabilitation alone had very low certainty of evidence in pain and knee flexion range of motion. Kinesiotaping was favored at post-operative days two to four for pain (P = 0.03, standard mean difference = -0.77 [-1.45, -0.09]) and range of motion (P = 0.002, standard mean difference = -0.24 [-0.44, -0.03]). Kinesiotaping was favored at post-operative days six to eight for pain (P = 0.02, standard mean difference = -0.76 [-1.41, -0.12]) and range of motion (P = 0.04, standard mean difference = -0.63 [-1.22, -0.04]). Edema and mobility could not be meta-analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The use of kinesiotaping early in post-operative rehabilitation could be a useful modality for reducing pain and increasing the range of knee flexion, however, the certainty of evidence is very low.

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.

Effect of Postoperative Kinesio Taping on Knee Edema, Pain, and Range of Motion After Total Knee Arthroplasty and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Kinesio taping (KT) has been shown to be clinically effective in a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. Despite evidence supporting KT, there still needs to be more certainty regarding its clinical worthiness in managing postoperative conditions. This study aims to assess the effect of postoperative KT on knee edema, pain, and range of motion (ROM) when added to routine physiotherapy after knee surgery.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases were searched from their inception to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing routine physiotherapy with and without KT were included. Random-effect models were used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD), confidence interval, and heterogeneity (I2).

RESULTS

Sixteen RCTs on 842 operated knees were included. KT reduced knee edema in first week (SMD, -0.59, p < 0.001), 14th postoperative day (POD) (SMD, -0.78, p < 0.001), and 28 to 42 days postop (SMD, -0.66, p < 0.001). The KT demonstrated significant pain improvement in second week (SMD, -0.87, p < 0.001) and the fourth week (SMD, -0.53, p < 0.001). The KT groups demonstrated ROM improvement within second week (SMD, 0.69, p = 0.010) and in the 28th POD (SMD, 0.89, p = 0.009). Subgroup analysis demonstrated minimal heterogeneity in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) cases. However, it did not show significant superiority regarding ankle, calf, or thigh edema and Lysholm scale.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that adding KT to routine postoperative physiotherapy reduces pain and knee edema after total knee arthroplasty or ACLR. Low to very low certainty of evidence for all outcomes and the limited number of studies emphasize the need for more high-quality primary studies to explore the optimal method of KT application and its effectiveness in specific knee surgeries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effect of combined Kinesiotaping and resistive exercise on muscle strength and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment affect women's tissue architecture and physiology, which leads to impaired muscle strength and joint dysfunction, affecting quality of life (QOL). Most evidence has focused on exercises; however, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of patients' rehabilitation needs, further research is required to investigate more adjunctive methods to help optimal rehabilitation according to patients' needs, preferences, and effective interventions.

METHODS

This study aimed to determine the effect of Kinesiotaping (KT) combined with resistive exercise on muscle strength and QOL in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Forty premenopausal BCS treated with chemotherapy postmastectomy participated in this study. Their age ranged from 40 to 55 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 25-29.9 kg/m2. They were randomly distributed into two equal groups. The control group received resistive exercise two times/week for 12 weeks, while the study group received resistive exercise and KT applied to the lower limbs. Hip, knee, and ankle muscle strength were measured using a hand-held dynamometer, and QOL was evaluated using 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Both groups showed a significant increase (p = 0.0001) in the strength of hip flexors, knee extensors, flexors, ankle plantar flexors, and dorsiflexors, as well as SF-36 score after treatment. However, the study group showed a more significant increase in strength of hip flexors (p = 0.005), knee extensors (p = 0.01) and flexors (p = 0.02), ankle plantar flexors (p = 0.01), and dorsiflexors (p = 0.01), as well as SF-36 score (p = 0.006) than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

KT plus resistive exercise is more effective than exercise alone for improving muscle strength and QOL in BCS. So, the KT can be recommended as a non-invasive, adjunctive method added to the protocol therapy for BCS to help better outcomes during the rehabilitation period.

Effect of kinesio taping intervention on the muscle strength and balance of college basketball players with functional ankle instability

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute Kinesio Taping (KT) intervention on the muscle strength and balance ability of college basketball players with functional ankle instability (FAI).

Methods: Thirty college basketball players with FAI were treated with acute KT to test the changes in their muscle strength and balance ability.

Results: After acute KT intervention, the ankle dorsiflexion moment and the ankle plantar flexion moment increased by 34% and 19.9%, respectively. The stable plane test with the subjects’ eyes open decreased by 1%, whereas that with the subjects’ eyes closed decreased by 1.1%. The swaying environment test with the subjects’ eyes open increased by 2.4%. The swaying plane test with the subjects’ eyes open increased by 5.1%, whereas that with the subjects’ eyes closed increased by 16.2%. The swaying environment test with the subjects’ eyes open plus the use of a plane increased by 12.1%.

Conclusion: KT can increase the isokinetic strength of the ankle dorsum muscle and plantar flexion of college basketball players with FAI. The effect of KT in the static balance test was weaker than that in the dynamic balance test. The findings indicate that KT can significantly improve the balance ability of college basketball players with FAI during dynamic sports.

Kinesio Taping as a Therapeutic Tool for Masticatory Myofascial Pain Syndrome-An Insight View

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is thought to stem from masticatory muscle hypersensitivity. Masticatory myofascial pain syndrome (MMPS) is characterized by multiple trigger points (MTrPs), also known as hyperirritable points, in taut bands of affected muscles, regional muscle pain, or referred pain to nearby maxillofacial areas like teeth, masticatory muscles or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Muscle stiffness, reduced range of motion, muscle weakening without atrophy, and autonomic symptoms may accompany regional discomfort. Multiple treatments have been utilized to reduce trigger points and mandibular function restrictions. As a result of these incapacitating symptoms, MMPS can significantly impair many elements of quality of life. The application of Kinesio tape (KT) is a non-invasive method of treating dormant myofascial trigger points. Utilizing the body's innate capacity for self-repair, this technique entails taping specific regions of the skin. KT alleviates discomfort, decreases swelling and inflammation, enhances or suppresses motor function in the muscles, stimulates proprioception, promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates blood flow, and expedites tissue recovery. However, studies conducted to assess its effects have frequently yielded contradictory results. To the best of our knowledge, just a few research has looked into the therapeutic effects of KT on MMPS. The purpose of this review is to determine the efficacy of KT as a therapeutic tool for regular treatment or as an adjunct to existing therapy for MMPS based on the evidence presented in this review. To establish KT as a reliable independent treatment option, additional research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of KT techniques and applications, specifically randomized clinical trials.

Research hotspots and trends of Kinesio Taping from 2011 to 2020: a bibliometric analysis

The purpose of this study was to explore the research hotspots and trends of Kinesio Taping in the last decade and provide new sights in future studies. Publications in the area of Kinesio Taping were searched from the Web of Science Core Collection database between 2011 and 2020. Citespace software was used to analyze data on countries/regions, institutions, authors, co-cited references, and keywords. A total of 677 publications were obtained in the last decade. We identified the most prolific countries, institutions, and authors in the field of Kinesio Taping from 2011 to 2020. The annual number of publications showed an upward trend. The most prolific country and institution were Turkey and Hacettepe University, respectively. The author with the biggest number of publications was Gul Baltaci from Turkey. The top 5 most frequent keywords were "pain", "tape", "strength", "exercise", and "reliability". The keywords with the highest centrality were "proprioception", followed by "reliability", "clinical trial", "ankle", and "pain". Ten clusters were found and the biggest one was "quadricep". The top 9 keywords with the strongest bursts were detected and "trial" had the highest burst strength. The results from the bibliometric analysis provide hotspots and trends in the field of Kinesio Taping. It is still in the development stage of the past decade. Pain relief, sports injury prevention and treatment, and proprioception enhancement to improve postural control were the hotspots from 2011 to 2020. High-quality trials and standardized criteria for applications are needed in the future.

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.

Therapeutic Exercise and Conservative Injection Treatment for Early Knee Osteoarthritis in Athletes: A Scoping Review

Background and Objectives: Recent evidence highlighted a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (kOA) among young and former ex-professional athletes. Although the practice of a highly demanding sport is considered a predisposing factor for the knee joint cartilage degeneration, articular cartilage seems to positively respond to a moderate load increase. We aim to investigate recent evidence on the conservative management of early kOA in athletes, with a particular emphasis on therapeutic exercise and injection treatment, in order to highlight whether there are any indications that can influence clinical and rehabilitation practice. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted, screening MEDLINE and PEDro databases for studies published over the past twenty years on the topic. Studies in English, with accessible abstracts, were included in the review. The PICO framework was used (P—patient: athletes, I—Intervention: conservative treatment with therapeutic exercise or injection therapies, C—Comparison: not needed, O—Outcomes: clinical outcomes). Clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and longitudinal studies were considered. Results: Four studies were finally included in the review. Therapeutic exercise seems to have beneficial effects on prevention of cartilage degeneration, on pain reduction, and on physical function enhancement. On the other hand, in mild to moderate stages of kOA the intra-articular viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid showed a medium to long-term improvement in joint pain and function. The Platelet Rich Plasma treatment also showed a significant improvement in pain and function up to 12 months. Conclusions: Despite the heterogeneity of the studies considered, a multimodal treatment combining therapeutic exercise and moderate aerobic activity (such as running) should be indicated to prevent kOA development. In cases of symptomatic kOA it may be indicated to add minimally invasive injection therapy that seems to contribute to the improvement of motor function and symptomatology.