The role of kinesiotaping in the rehabilitation management of knee medical compartment osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA), particularly involving the medial compartment, is a common cause of pain and disability in adults. Kinesio taping (KT taping) has emerged as a supportive intervention in rehabilitation programs, offering potential benefits in reducing pain, improving joint function, and enhancing mobility. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of KT taping in the rehabilitation management of medial compartment knee OA by assessing changes in pain levels, joint stiffness, and range of motion (ROM). Methods: A total of 40 patients (29 females and 11 males) diagnosed with medial compartment knee OA participated in this controlled clinical trial. Patients were recruited from the Medical City Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between October 2023 and January 2024. Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group (n=20) received a conventional physical therapy program, while the experimental group (n=20) underwent the same program followed by KT taping. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for stiffness, and goniometric measurement of knee flexion ROM. Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests. Results: The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in ROM and a marked reduction in pain and stiffness compared to the control group (P=0.000). Conclusion: KT taping is an effective adjunct to traditional rehabilitation for patients with medial compartment knee OA, contributing to improved joint mobility and reduced discomfort.