Therapeutic Effects of Kinesiotape in the Management of Gonarthrosis

Fenerbahce University38 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of kinesiotaping in addition to exercise for patients with knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis). Thirty-eight participants aged 45 to 65 were randomly assigned to two groups: one group performed a structured home exercise program three times weekly for 6 weeks, while the other group performed the same program and also received kinesiotaping once weekly. Outcomes included pain, stiffness, balance, and quality of life. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement; however, the kinesiotaping plus exercise group showed greater gains in pain reduction, mobility, and daily activities. These findings suggest that kinesiotaping combined with exercise may provide superior benefits compared with exercise alone in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Gonarthrosis

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 45 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * having a diagnosis of primary gonarthrosis according to ACR classification criteria, * being between 45 and 65 years of age, * having a radiological diagnosis of gonarthrosis between Kellgren-Lawrence stage 1-3 , * signing the informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * presence of a neurological disorder affecting muscle strength or balance, * history of any surgical operation on the knee, hip or spine, * physiotherapy or injections for the knee within the previous year, * presence of systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, vertigo, visual problems, * history of severe trauma within the previous year

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

WOMAC consists of 24 questions in total (pain 5, joint stiffness 2, functional status 17). Each question was scored on a scale of 1-5. A high score indicates poor health, while a low score indicates good health.

Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

VAS, which ranges from 0 to 10, is used to assess pain levels. A score of 0 represents no pain, while 10 indicates the most severe, unbearable pain. Participants were instructed to indicate their perceived pain level by marking a 10 cm straight line, and the corresponding value was recorded in centimeters.

Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

BBS is a test consisting of 14 items used to evaluate the functional balance of individuals. The application time is approximately 15-20 minutes, and the following materials are needed: a ruler, a stopwatch, a chair, a step, and an area suitable for 360-degree rotation. Each item is evaluated on a scale of 0-4 points based on the individual's ability to perform the given task independently and correctly. The total score is 56. A score between 0-20 indicates severe balance impairment, between 21-40 indicates acceptable balance, and between 41-56 indicates good balance.

Time frame: From enrollment to he end of treatment at 6 weeks.

Short Form (SF-36)

The SF-36 questionnaire was developed to assess quality of life. A total of 8 sub-parameters, including pain, social functioning, energy/vitality, emotional role difficulties, physical role difficulties, physical functioning, general health perception, and mental health, are examined

Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks