The effectiveness of kinesiotaping in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis: a randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind study

ObjectivesKinesiotaping (KT), with its non-restrictive nature, is a preferred treatment option, yet there remains insufficient evidence regarding its effectiveness in managing lateral epicondylitis (LE). This study aims to investigate the efficacy of KT on pain intensity, functional status, and quality of life in patients with chronic LE.MethodsBetween February and August 2024, 42 patients (17 females, 25 males; mean age: 44.5 +/- 9.1 years; range: 27-61) with chronic LE were included in this single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients were randomized into either the KT or sham-controlled group. Kinesiotaping and sham-taping were applied six times over three weeks. Both groups received recommendations for activity modification and a home-based stretching and strengthening exercise program. Outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score; the Patient-Rated Forearm Evaluation Questionnaire (PRFEQ); grip strength; Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); quality of life in Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Roles and Maudsley patient satisfaction score. The participants were assessed before treatment, at the end of treatment (week three), and four weeks after the end of treatment (week seven).ResultsBoth groups showed improvements from the baseline in all outcome parameters. At the third and seventh week follow-up, KT was superior to sham-taping in all outcome measures, except for two SF-36 subscales, with effect sizes further supporting the clinical relevance of these findings by indicating meaningful differences in favor of KT.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that KT using the epidermis, dermis, fascia (EDF), and muscle inhibition technique effectively reduces pain, improves disability and quality of life, and achieves high patient satisfaction levels without any adverse effects in LE. Clinicaltrials.gov identifer: NCT06611709.