Kinesiotaping in Knee Osteoarthritis

Pain intensity was assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Each patient was asked to indicate pain intensity during rest at each assessment point (on a 0-10 points numerical pain rating scale; higher scores indicate severe pain).

Pain intensity was assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Each patient was asked to indicate pain intensity during 50-meter walking test at each assessment point (on a 0-10 points numerical pain rating scale; higher scores indicate severe pain).

To determine the baseline and the degree of change in knee-related health status Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was applied. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, is a widely valid and reliable outcome measurement scale in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The scale consists of 24 items and is divided into three dimensions; pain; stiffness, and functionality.

Active pain-free knee range of motion examination was performed by a 360̊ double-armed universal goniometer. Knee active flexion range of motion angle without pain was measured in the supine position while the axis of the goniometer was on the femur's lateral epicondyle. For active knee extension range of motion, the investigator recorded the angle that which the participant extends the knee as much as possible. If there was an inability to reach the 0-degree starting position, the angle was given a negative value reflecting the angle missing from the full extension. Three assessment was performed and the mean value was recorded as active flexion and extension angle.

The physical function of the participants enrolled in the study was evaluated by the 50-meter walking test will the subjects walk 2.5 return journeys between two cones placed 10 m apart along a walking course. The participants stood beside the cone. They were instructed to walk to the other when signaled by the investigator, go around it to the outer side, and walk back again as fast as possible.

The time taken the task completed assessed by the same chronometer was recorded

The quantitative measure of the balance and postural stability of participants was performed by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Participants completed three trial repetitions before static balance tests. For the static balance test, the participants were asked to stand with two legs on the center of the locked platform of the BBS. Three evaluations were performed in each measurement session and a mean score was calculated from the three trials. The device provides three postural stability indices (PSI) obtained by calculating the standard deviations of the degrees of an inclination concerning the zero point: overall static postural stability index (sPSI_O), static anteroposterior postural stability index (sPSI_AP), and static mediolateral postural stability index (sPSI_ML).

The quantitative measure of the balance and postural stability of participants was performed by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Participants completed three trial repetitions before dynamic balance tests.

During the dynamic balance test, the platform moves simultaneously to the anteroposterior (AP), or mediolateral (ML) directions in 12 different stability levels (level 1 is the least stable; level 12 is the most stable level within a 20-degree range of inclination). Dynamic PSI (dPSI) represents the variance of foot platform displacement in degrees, from level, in all motions during the test. A high number is indicative of a lot of movement during the test. Dynamic balance test was performed on the most stable level with the following parameters: duration: 20 seconds, stability level: 12, and stance: two legs