To compare the efficiency of two different taping methods on pain, functionality and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of knee

45 volunteers with knee osteoarthritis (OA) whose medial compartments affected more, included into this study with the aim of the investigation of comparing impacts of patellar taping and medial longitudinal arch (MLA) taping The participants were divided into three groups: Group 1 received only physiotherapy programme; group 2 received physiotherapy programme with patellar taping; and group 3 received physiotherapy programme with MLA taping for 15 seance. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess the participants' pain levels; while functional status was assessed with Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Quality of life was assessed with Short Form-36 (SF-36). At the end of the treatment, VAS values indicated reduced pain at rest in the participants who received only physiotherapy programme, while the participants who applied patellar taping and MLA taping with physioyherapy programme had reduced pain both at rest and during activity (p<0.05). No significant difference was identified between the groups (p>0.05). The TUG test showed significantly lower time values in participants who applied patellar taping (p<0.05). The WOMAC subgroup scores also showed significant improvement in all subgroups among the participants who applied both patellar taping and MLA taping. On the other hand, those who received only physiotherapy programme saw significant improvement only in the stiffness subgroup (p<0.05). The subgroup scores of the SF-36 pointed to no significant difference in any other subgroup, aside from physical function, overall health and pain (p>0.05). When used in conjunction with physiotherapy, both patellar taping and MLA taping are effective in reducing pain levels, in increasing functional capacity and in an improved quality of life in patients with knee OA; however neither of the two methods can be considered superior to the other.