Effects of combined taping of quadriceps and hamstring muscles on pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Randomized assessor-blinded controlled study

Background

The ability of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis to carry on routine daily activities is a significantly valuable target.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effect of quadriceps and hamstring taping using kinesio tape on knee pain, function and range of motion (ROM) in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Twenty-four patients, ages ranging between 50 and 70 years, diagnosed with chronic knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group (A) received kinesio tape on quadriceps and hamstring muscles in addition to conventional exercises while, group (B) received solely conventional exercises. Pain, knee flexion ROM and function were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the universal goniometer and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Scale (WOMAC) respectively. Both groups were assessed before and after four weeks of treatment.

Results

Mixed Design Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed non-significant differences between groups in pain, ROM and WOMAC (P > 0.05) post-treatment. Additionally, pairwise tests revealed significant reduction of VAS and WOMAC with significant increase in ROM (P < 0.05) for group (A) post-treatment. While group (B) showed significant reduction of VAS and WOMAC (P < 0.05) with non-significant change in ROM (P = 0.109) post-treatment.

Conclusion

Quadriceps and hamstring taping in addition to conventional exercises has no more effect than conventional exercises alone for decreasing pain and disability and increasing ROM in patients suffering from chronic knee osteoarthritis.