The Effect Of Kinesio Taping On Gait Parameters In Osteoarthritic Knee Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Kinesio taping facilitating technique on Vastus medialis oblique and gracilis muscles regarding gait parameters in osteoarthritic (OA) knee patients. Method: Twenty-six OA knee patients randomly assigned into two groups; Kinesio taping group (50% tension facilitating technique applied on vastus medialis oblique and gracilis muscles) and placebo groups. Subjects were assessed gait parameters with the modified six-minute walk test by self-adjusted speed on the force distribution measurement systems (FDM-T) for three occasions: before, immediately and 48 hours after taping. Two-way repeated ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Results: Significant increases of step length, stride length and cadence were found immediately after Kinesio taping with p-value 0.008, 0.015, 0.042 respectively. As well as after 48 hours the Kinesio taping group had significant improvement (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that the Kinesio taping for osteoarthritic knee can improve walking pattern as shown in gait parameters and speed. The Thai Clinical Trial Registration (TCTR) number: TCTR20180503003