Comparison of the added effects of kinesio taping and extracorporeal shockwave therapy to exercise alone in knee osteoarthritis

Introduction Pain and functional limitations affect quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different applications (Kinesio taping; KT and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy; ESWT) added to an home-exercise program on pain, strength and function in patients with knee OA. Methods Sixty voluntary female subjects were randomly assigned into groups of; KT (n = 22), ESWT (n = 18) and control (CON) (n = 20) respectively. KT and ESWT were applied for 6 weeks and all the groups were taken home exercise program during 12 weeks in all groups. The outcome measures were; Visual Analog Scale for pain (during squat, rest and sleep), Isokinetic strength for quadriceps and hamstring strength, 'The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Survey', Timed Up & Go and 10 m Walk tests for function. The assessments were carried out at baseline, 6th and 12th weeks. Results The mean age was 58.8 +/- 6.2 years. Significant improvements were observed in all groups in all tests (p< .05). There was no difference found between groups (p> .05) except pain levels during sleep. CON group showed significant reduction in pain during sleep compared to ESWT group (p< .05). Conclusion KT and ESWT have similar effects in terms of decreasing pain, improving knee strength and function in patients with knee OA. However it can be said that if a well-designed home exercise program were done by the patients correctly and regularly then it will be the best treatment option for patients with knee OA.