Effects of kinesio taping in patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To assess the effects of kinesio taping on pain, oedema, range of motion, and joint function following knee or hip arthroplasty.

Methods: Eight databases were searched up to 9 January 2024. Patients undergoing rehabilitation after knee or hip arthroplasty were included. The intervention group received kinesio taping with postoperative rehabilitation, while the control group received postoperative rehabilitation alone. Outcomes for knee arthroplasty patients, included pain, oedema, range of motion, and the Hospital for Special Surgery knee score. For hip arthroplasty, the outcome focused on pain.

Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 774 participants met the inclusion criteria. In knee arthroplasty patients, kinesio taping significantly reduced pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.53, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.14, p = 0.007), and relieved thigh (SMD = -0.38, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.12, p = 0.005) and ankle circumferences (SMD = -0.53, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.12, p = 0.01). It improved the total range of motion (SMD = 1.26, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.60, p < 0.00001) and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (SMD = 2.17, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.65, p < 0.00001). No significant pain intensity reduction was observed in hip arthroplasty patients (p = 0.25).

Conclusion: Kinesio taping combined with postoperative rehabilitation effectively reduces oedema and pain, and improves joint function in knee arthroplasty patients, but does not alleviate pain in patients following hip arthroplasty.