Kinesiotaping versus Mcconnell Taping in Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract
Background: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most com-mon chronic degenerative joint disorder; it is characterized by increasing joint pain, stiffness and limitations in Range of Motion (ROM). Taping is a physiotherapy treatment strategy recommended in the management of knee OA.
Aim of the Study: This study was designed to determine the effect of Kinesio taping and McConnell taping on Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Active Range of Motion (AROM) of patients with knee OA.
Subjects and Methods: Fourty five subjects suffering from unilateral primary knee OA (according to X-ray and Kellgren and Lawrence classification). Their ages were from 40 to 50 years and body mass index was from 25 to 29.9kg/m2. They were randomly divided into three equal groups, Group A received conventional physical therapy management program for knee OA (ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation and quadriceps set exercise) plus Kinesio taping, Group B received the same conventional physical therapy management program plus McConnell taping, Group C (control group) received only the same conventional physical therapy management program. All patients received treatment three times per week for four weeks. Health-related quality of life was measured using KOOS and AROM was measured using universal goniometer pre and post-treatment.
Results: There was a significance difference between Group A and B in symptoms, pain and Quality of Life (QOL) parts of KOOS (p=0.003, 0.012 and 0.031 respectively) and active ROM of knee flexion (p=0.008). There was a signifi-cance difference between Group A and C in pain severity, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), sport/recreation and QOL parts of KOOS (p=0.0001, 0.004, 0.002, 0.0001 respectively) and active ROM of knee flexion (p=0.019).
Conclusions: Kinesio taping is more effective than Mc-Connell taping as nonsurgical intervention method for symtoms relief, pain relief, improving ADL and improving AROM of knee flexion in patients with knee OA.