The short term effects of kinesio taping on dynamic balance and functionality in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis (OA)

OA is a chronic disease characterized by loss of joint cartilage and pain. Due to the fact that OA affects significantly daily living activity and quality of life of patient, it should be handled carefully. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the short term effects of kinesio taping on dynamic balance and functionality among patients with knee joint OA. The study included 30 participants who were diagnosed with OA (mean age 65, 80±10, 38 years; female: 30). Libra computerized balance device was used for dynamic balance assessment. Patients were evaluated by using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Patients were submitted to Kinesio Taping on the Hamstring, the Quadriceps muscles and infrapatellar region of the affected limb. Measurements were recorded at baseline, 30 minutes after kinesio taping and 2 days later. Upon the analysis, the affected side (taped side), the unaffected side and bilateral dynamic balances were examined separately; all results of dynamic balance showed significant improvement (p<0.05). However, development of dynamic balance ability on the affected side (taped side) was significantly higher than the others (p=0.001). Physical component scores of SF-36 were improved significantly (p<0.05). KOOS results of KT-1 (at baseline), KT-2 (30 minutes after kinesio taping), KT-3 (2 days later) were examined with pairwise comparasion; KOOS-pain, KOOS-symptom, KOOS-ADL were improved after kinesiotaping application (p<0.01). This study showed that kinesio tape leads to improve dynamic balance ability, functionality and quality of life in patients with knee joint OA; it can be used as safe and effective method in rehabilitation of knee joint OA.