Comparative effects of kinesiotaping with and without combined chain exercises on pain, range of motion, and quality of life in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To compare the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) with and without Combined Chain Exercises (CCEs) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted at Riphah Rehabilitation Center and Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore, over six months. Thirty-eight patients with Grade II knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence classification) aged 40–60 years were recruited using a convenience sampling technique and allocated into two groups via the lottery method. Group A received KT with CCEs, while Group B received KT only. Pain, ROM, and quality of life were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometer, and SF-36, respectively, at baseline and after 4 weeks. Baseline treatment included hot packs and ultrasound. Statistical analyses were performed using paired and independent t-tests. Results: Data from 34 participants (17 per group) were analyzed. Group A (KT with CCEs) showed statistically significant improvements compared to Group B (KT only) across all parameters: NPRS (p = 0.017), knee flexion (p = 0.035), knee extension (p = 0.004), and SF-36 (p = 0.002). Within-group comparisons also revealed significant improvements in Group A across all outcomes (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Kinesio Taping combined with Chain Exercises significantly improved pain, ROM, and quality of life in knee OA patients compared to Kinesio Taping alone. These findings suggest that integrating CCEs with KT may provide more effective rehabilitation for knee OA.