A pilot randomized controlled study of comparative effectiveness of kinesiology taping, sham taping or exercises only in treatment of lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common musculoskeletal condition presenting with pain due to overuse of common extensor tendon. It is treated with many different methods. The aim of this study is to compare efficacy of kinesiology taping (KT) and sham taping in addition to exercise or exercises only in the treatment of LE. Thirty patients, aged 25–68 years, with clinically diagnosed LE less than 12 weeks were randomized into three groups; KT ( n = 10), sham taping ( n = 10) and control (exercises only) ( n = 10) groups. All groups received home exercise program including strengthening and stretching exercises. In KT and sham taping groups, tapings were performed and changed every 3–4 days for two weeks. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), grip strength, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDash) and The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) scales were used for assessments before and after treatment. The immediate effect was assessed by VAS and grip strength immediately after both tapings. Among the KT, sham and control groups, there were statistically significant differences regarding the changes in VAS at activities of daily living (ADL) (−2.5, 0, 0; P = 0.02) and PRTEE (−26.25, 0.5, 1.25; P = 0.006). Post-hoc analyses revealed that VAS at ADL and PRTEE ( P < 0.01) showed significantly greater improvement in the KT group than sham taping and control groups. VAS at ADL ( P = 0.007), painless and maximum grip strength ( P = 0.03; P = 0.04), QuickDash ( P = 0.03) and total PRTEE ( P = 0.004) scores were significantly lower after treatment compared to baseline in the KT group. Grip strength immediately increased after taping in the KT group ( P = 0.02). Neither sham taping group nor control group showed improvement in any of the outcome measures after treatment. Kinesiology taping in addition to exercise is more effective than sham taping and exercises only for improving pain at ADL and arm disability due to LE.