Current Evidence Does Support the Use of KT to Treat Chronic Knee Pain in Short Term: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective. To demonstrate whether KT is better than placebo taping, nonelastic taping, or no taping in reducing pain. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched up to 20 October 2020 for randomized controlled studies that used KT to treat chronic knee pain according to PRISMA guidelines. We extracted the mean differences and SD in pretreatment and posttreatment for selected outcomes measured in the experimental and control groups for subsequent meta-analyses. Results. In total, 8 studies involving 416 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Our results indicated that KT is better than other tapings (placebo taping or nonelastic taping) in the early four weeks. The mean difference was −1.44 (95% CI: −2.04–−0.84, I2 = 49%, P ≤ 0.01 ). Treatment methods which were performed for more than six weeks (0.16 (95% CI: −0.35–0.68, I2 = 0%, P = 0.53 )) show no significant difference in reducing pain. In studies in which visual analogue scale was measured, a positive effect was observed for KT combined with exercise program training (−3.27 (95% CI: −3.69–2.85, I2 = 0%, P < 0.05 )). Conclusion. KT exhibited significant but temporary pain reduction.

Kinesiological Treatment of Early Spine Osteoarthritis in a Motorcyclist

“…Off-road motorcycling is considered a well-known sport, and because prevention is better than cure, the best support for these athletes could be the implementation of clinical joint examination in the limbs and spine instead of focusing primarily on the cardiorespiratory system [ 40 , 41 ]. Aware of the literature debate around Kinesio taping’s effect on musculoskeletal disorders [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ], we decided to utilize it as a support therapy in the pain management administered through antalgic therapy based on the evidence reported by many authors about the positive effect of Kinesio taping application in conjunction with exercises [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ], and its validity in the treatment and prevention of spine injuries [ 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ]. Nevertheless, for low back pain treatment, the kinesiological approach, i.e., exercise administration, is strongly suggested because it effectively generates improvements compared with manual therapy or conservative treatment [ 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”