Comparison of the effectiveness of kinesiologic taping and high intensity laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Lateral elbow tendinopathy is a common condition that causes pain and functional impairments, limiting daily activities.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy, kinesio taping, and therapeutic exercises in terms of pain, function, disability, and muscle strength.

Study Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Fifty-five patients were randomly assigned into three groups. The first group received high-intensity laser therapy + therapeutic exercises, the second group received kinesio taping + therapeutic exercises, and the third group received therapeutic exercises alone. Evaluations were performed before treatment (PreT), immediately after treatment (PostT), and 4 weeks after treatment (PostT-4). Outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH), the Patient-based Lateral Epicondylitis Evaluation (PRTEE), and grip strength.

Results

Both high-intensity laser therapy and kinesio taping showed significant improvements in PRTEE scores at PostT and PostT-4. Kinesio taping was superior to therapeutic exercises but showed no difference compared to high-intensity laser therapy. All groups showed significant improvements in Q-DASH scores at PostT-4, with high-intensity laser therapy and kinesio taping being more effective than therapeutic exercises. No significant differences were found between the groups for VAS and grip strength.

Conclusions

Therapeutic exercises alone is effective in treating lateral elbow tendinopathy, while high-intensity laser therapy and kinesio taping provide additional benefits in improving function and reducing disability. There was no superiority between high-intensity laser therapy and kinesio taping, but both were more beneficial than therapeutic exercises alone.