Do Taping and Orthosis Affect Pain, Gait, or Functionality in Mild Knee Osteoarthritis?

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of elastic taping, rigid taping, and braces applied to women with mild knee OA on pain, gait, and knee functionality.

Methods: This randomised study included 21 female patients (mean age of 53.81±6.20 years) with bilateral grade 2 knee OA according to the Kellgren & Lawrence Classification. Pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale, functionality was evaluated with the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index, and the kinetic, kinematic, and spatiotemporal parameters were evaluated using a three-dimensional gait analysis system at baseline (no application) and immediately after the application of elastic taping, rigid taping, and orthoses. The dependent variables were measured after 45 minute the application of four different conditions neutral, elastic taping, rigid taping, and knee brace on each participant with 1-day intervals.

Inclusion criteria

• bilateral knee OA according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology
• had radiographically phase 2 based on the criteria identified by Kellgren & Lawrence

-, had active knee pain

• did not receive any knee treatment in the last year
• could understand test and evaluations

Exclusion criteria

• experienced lower extremity trauma or underwent surgery
• had phase 3-4 Osteoarthritis
• had any orthopedic or neurologic problem affecting walking
• were allergic to taping
• did not walk independently on their own