Does kinesiotaping can improve static stability of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament rupture? A randomized single-blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was the assessment of the early impact of the selected kinesiotaping technique on the static stability of the knee joint in patients with ACL rupture on the basis of stabilographic parameters. Methods Sixty-two patients with a complete ACL rupture (32 patients in experimental group and 30 patients in placebo group) took part in the randomized single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The ligament technique of KT was taken into consideration. Application of a KT tape only on the injured knee was to stabilize the knee joint. Experimental group had application of KT on the injured knee and the placebo group had a KT placebo application (with no tension on KT). Intervention and stabilographic test in both groups was the same. Research tools included measurements of static stabilographic parameters on stabilometric platform CQStab2P®. Outcome measures were assessed before intervention and after KT application. The analysis included evaluation of outcome variables – total path length, (SP), statokinesiogram path length in the XY axes (SPML, SPAP), and mean velocities in the XY axes (MV, MVML, MVAP). Results The results show a statistically significant shortening of the SP, SPAP and SPML variables only in experimental group. In the placebo group the results were not significant. The analysis also showed a significant improvement in all analyzed variables in the experimental group compared to the healthy side. In the placebo group, the results did not improve significantly after KT application compared to the healthy side. Conclusions Application o f KT in patients after ACL rupture shortened the total path length and improved the value of parameters in the frontal and sagittal planes in experimental group, which may suggest the potentially greater improvement in these parameters. By improving the values of the analyzed variables, the KT application is able to compensate for the loss of static stability of the knee. Trial Registration This study was registered retrospectively in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Registration number: ACTRN12616001407482.

Immediate Effect of a Kinesiotape Bandage on Knee Mechanics during Functional Tests in Female Rugby and Football Athletes: A Pilot Study

“…However, in the YBT, significant differences were only found over time in the anterior displacement, but not between groups, which is in line with the results reported by Espí-López et al in healthy amateur soccer players [24]. Only in studies performed in individuals with a recent ACL rupture did KT improve the static stability [22,23]. This finding is clinically relevant because it may be associated with a potential reduction in the risk of ACL injury, since an enhanced knee valgus is a risk factor for this type of injury [26].…”

“…In individuals with a recent ACL rupture, KT application at the knee has been shown to improve proprioception, strength, and static balance [21][22][23]. However, in healthy young athletes, there are inconclusive results about the effectiveness of KT at the knee.…”

Four-Week Application of Kinesiotaping Improves Proprioception, Strength, and Balance in Individuals With Complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

“…In accordance with short-term KT application (1-3 hours) for individuals with ACL rupture (27,32), we observed improved balance. It is well established that proprioception and muscle strength influence single-leg stance (24).…”

“…Nevertheless, to our knowledge, there is no information regarding its long-term use in the presence of an ACL rupture. There is evidence of improved perceived functions of the affected knee joint (5,27), gait pattern (5), balance (27,32), and enhanced proprioception (5,27) after short-term application of KT (#3 hours) in individuals with surgically untreated ACL ruptures. In addition, there is evidence of improved muscle strength (after 10 days of KT application after ACL reconstruction) (3,4).…”

Acute Effects of kinesiotaping on Pain and Muscle Strength in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

“…It has been suggested that the positive effects of application of kinesiology tape (KT) on the skin might be explained by increased activation of mechanoreceptors and increased interstitial space [10]. Previous studies established that short-term (1-3 h) application of KT improved postural control, single-hop distance, gait pattern, proprioception, and subjectively perceived functions of the affected knee in individuals with surgically untreated ACL tear [11][12][13]. Furthermore, there is evidence that 4-week application of KT improves muscular strength.…”