The Effect of Quadriceps Kinesio Tape on Functional Disability, Pain, and Knee Joint Position Sense in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Abstract

Introduction : Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint and musculoskeletal problems, particularly within the knee joint, which causes functional disability and impaired proprioception. The aim of the present study was to study the effect of quadriceps kinesio tape on functional disability, pain, and knee joint position sense in females suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods and Materials : A total of 38 females suffering from knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=19) or kinesio tape group (n=19). The extent of pain was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the extent of functional disability was measured using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the absolute error of reconstructing the active angle in 30 and 60 degrees of knee flexion was measured using an inclinometer. The results were analyzed using independent sample t-test to compare the treatment groups before the treatment and paired sample t-test to compare the groups before and immediately after the treatment. Results : In the kinesio tape group, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the reconstruction of the joint sense position at 30 and 60 angles of knee flexion before and after treatment ( P <0.0001). However, there no statistically significant difference was observed in the control group at 30° and at 60 ° . Moreover, the results from the VAS and WOMAC tests revealed no statistically significant difference between the control and kinesio tape groups. Conclusion : The quadriceps kinesio tape improves knee joint position sense in patients with knee osteoarthritis, but it does not cause significant changes in their pain and functional ability. Key Words : Functional disability; Joint position sense; Kinesio tape; Knee osteoarthriti