The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Mobility, Pain, Balance and Daily Activities in Total Knee Replacement Patients

Bursa City Hospital

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Total Knee Anthroplasty

Treatments: Other: kinesio taping; Other: THE EXERCİSE

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06911814

No sponsor

Details and patient eligibility

About

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and functional limitations caused by advanced gonarthrosis that cannot be managed with conservative methods. It is known that the postoperative rehabilitation program plays a crucial role in functionality and mobility in the postoperative period. Pain and swelling are the most commonly reported minor complications that lead to functional limitations, often associated with decreased muscle strength. After TKA, various current methods such as compression therapy and electrotherapy are employed to treat postoperative edema. Typically, patients are discharged with a home exercise program once they are ambulatory. However, the return to daily living activities varies among patients, and some may experience prolonged recovery times. In our country and hospital, there is no standardized algorithm for postoperative care following TKA. Patients are often referred to rehabilitation clinics only when complications arise.

Due to issues with patient ambulation, there may be a need for inpatient care following TKA. While traditional rehabilitation programs are used, alternative methods to facilitate early ambulation have emerged in recent years, one of which is kinesiology taping (KT). Developed by Kenso Kase in the 1970s, KT is an elastic, wave-textured, waterproof, breathable cotton tape applied directly to the skin. When applied with various techniques, it helps alleviate pain, reduce edema, and provides mechanical support and joint protection. KT does not restrict movement; instead, its elastic structure opens the space between the dermis and fascia, aiding lymphatic and blood flow, thereby reducing swelling in the extremities. There are studies on the use of KT in postoperative patients beyond musculoskeletal pain conditions, particularly regarding its effectiveness in managing pain, swelling, and joint range of motion after shoulder and anterior cruciate ligament surgeries.

Although recent studies in the literature have explored the use of KT after TKA, there is still no consensus on its efficacy and application methods. This study aims to investigate the potential effects or complications of KT treatment on balance, pain, mobility, and quality of life in patients undergoing rehabilitation after TKA.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 50 to 75 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 50-75 who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
• Patients able to mobilize independently
• Patients willing to participate in the treatment program
• Patients without any secondary conditions that could cause immobilization

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who have undergone surgery due to cancer
• Renal insufficiency (GFR <30)
• Patients with local infection in the kinesiology taping application area
• Heart failure (Stage III-IV)
• BMI >35
• Cognitive impairment
• COPD (GOLD Stage III-IV)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

The exercise group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The exercise group will receive joint range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and walking exercises from experienced physiotherapists while in bed.

Treatment:

Other: THE EXERCİSE

The kinesiology taping (KT) group

Active Comparator group

Description:

On the 3rd day, the following taping will be applied to patients: a 15 cm I tape to support the medial collateral ligaments, a 20 cm Y tape for patellar tendon support, and a 25 cm Y tape to strengthen the quadriceps muscle. Additionally, KT will be applied to patients a total of three times on the 10th and 17th days.The KT group will be shown joint range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and walking exercises.

Treatment:

Other: THE EXERCİSE

Other: kinesio taping