Comparison of efficiency of brace and banding on balance and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis

The aim of our study; was to compare the effects of brace and taping which is kinesio tape on functional, balance and pain in patients aged 40-65 years with knee osteoarthritis. Thirty-four patients who have knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups and cured. Pateller supported knee brace was used for 1st group for 6 weeks. Kinesio Tape was used twice a week for the second group for 6 weeks. Also, both groups were asked to perform the exercises given for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment for balance, functionality, proprioception, pain, muscle strength and range of motion. The Berg Balance Scale for balance, Standing on Single Foot, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) Scoring and Functionality for Timed and Go Test (ZAKYT), range of motion and position sensation with digital goniometer, muscle strength "Hand-held" dynamometer (Lafeyette Instrument, Lafayette, IN) was used. In-group evaluation improvement in balance, functionality, pain, range of motion, muscle strength and proprioception in Group-1 and Group-2 was seen (p <0.05). In the evaluation between the groups; there was a significant difference in favor of banding group in balance and functionality (p <0,05). As a result of our study, it was found that the banding applied in addition to the exercise in the individuals with knee osteoarthritic was more effective than the brace group in the balance and functionality. Since a significant improvement was seen in pain, joint range of motion and muscle strength in both groups, knee brace or banding may be preferred as a treatment option in clinics. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, kinesiotape, function, pain, balance.