Investigation of the instant effect of Kinesio Taping on the rectus femoris muscle on pain and functional disability in knee osteoarthritis patients

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the instant effect of kinesio taping applied to the rectus femoris muscle on pain and functional disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis Methods: Forty individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis were included in the study and were divided into two groups as Kinesio tape (KT) and placebo groups. Kinesio taping was applied to both rectus femoris of the participants for 30 minutes with the facilitation technique in the intervention group and without tension in the placebo group. We assessed participants for pain and functional disability Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups before these interventions were similar (p > 0.05). WOMAC pain, WOMAC function and WOMAC total score improved significantly for the KT group between pre-post taping results (p<0,05). There was no significant difference between the pre-post taping in WOMAC stiffness section (p>0,05). Conclusion: It was concluded that KT applied bilaterally to the rectus femoris did not affect stiffness in patients with knee OA, but instantly improved pain and functional disability.