Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on Pain and Functional Disability in Grade I and Grade II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To investigate effect of kinesio taping on pain intensity and functional disability in grade I and grade II knee osteoarthritis.52 individuals, radiographically diagnosed as grade I or grade II unilateral knee osteoarthritis were selected and divided into two groups- group A (Kinesio taping along with conventional exercise therapy) and group B (Conventional exercise therapy alone) using randomized block design. Individuals were assessed for outcome measures using numeric pain rating scale for pain intensity, Modified WOMAC scale CRD Pune version for functional disability. Kinesio taping was given to facilitate quadriceps muscle for 2 days and conventional exercise therapy was common to both groups. Data was documented pre and post treatment and analyzed using paired and unpaired t test. Both the groups were statistically significant on reducing pain intensity, improving functional disability score but kinesio taping along with conventional exercise therapy was found to be more effective. Kinesio taping when given along with conventional exercise program is significantly better to relieve pain and improve functional disability.