Kinesio-Taping and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Recent studies have shown that pain and significant physical functional limitations have been correlated with impaired self-reported and reduction of knee instability over time. In this regard, conservative nonpharmacological treatments were applied to reduce pain and to slow disease progression of knee OA. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to collect the current best evidence for the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in alleviating pain and improving knee function for patients with knee OA.

Methods: A systematic search of previous published studies between 2012 and 2020 was performed using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane, and Science Direct. Only randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of Kinesio Taping on knee osteoarthritis were included in the meta-analysis. This study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results: A total of fourteen randomized trials including 612 patients were included. The present meta-analysis indicated that there were significant differences between Kinesio Taping groups and control groups with respect to visual analog scale (VAS) (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between two groups in terms of Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale and flexion range of motion (P=0.12 and P=0.07, respectively).

Conclusion: Taken together, our meta-analysis showed that Kinesio Taping is effective in alleviating pain in patients with knee OA. However, our findings revealed that Kinesio Taping has no significant effects on joint function.