Kinesio Taping Improves Perceptions of Pain and Function of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

141 patients aged 50 or above with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive kinesiotaping of the knee, sham kinesiotaping of the knee, or no treatment. The primary outcomes of interest were the sub-scores (pain, stiffness, function) of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index. Secondary outcomes of interest included the balance error scoring system (BESS), the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), the 10 meter walk test, and range of motion in flexion and extension. Follow up was performed 3 days after the application of treatment. Results revealed significantly different WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function sub-scores amongst the three groups, in favour of the kinesiotaping group. No significant differences were observed amongst the three groups in all secondary outcomes.