Effects of KT and Rigid Taping in Knee OA.

The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of kinesio taping and rigid taping in Knee Osteoarthritis to alleviate symptoms like pain, reduce range of motion and functional limitations. A randomized control trial was conducted at Atta Memorial Hospital, Airport Society, Rawalpindi and Makkah Medical Complex, Rawalpindi. The sample size was 36 calculated through G-Power. The participants were divided into two interventional groups each having 18 participants. The study duration was six months. Sampling technique applied was Non probability convenient sampling. Only 40 to 60 years' participants with grade 1-3 Knee Osteoarthritis according to kellgren-Lawrence scale were included in the study. Tools used in this study are Visual analogue scale, WOMAC Index, timed up and go test and Goniometer self-structured Questionnaire. Data was collected before and immediately after the application of intervention on First day and then again at the end of session on 14th and 28th day. Data analyzed through SPSS version 23.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also referred to as degenerative joint disease, primary OA, wear-and-tear arthritis, or age-related arthritis, is the most common cause of disability in the US and around the world. In medical terminology, arthritis refers to joint inflammation. More than 100 rheumatic diseases and ailments that affect the joints, the tissues surrounding the joints, and other connective tissue are collectively referred to as arthritis in the public health sector(1). By 2020, OA will rank as the fourth most common cause of disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), making it one of the most incapacitating musculoskeletal ailments. Globally, the socioeconomic, psychological, and physical toll increased. The main leading factor affecting mobility is knee osteoarthritis. Among patients with knee OA, knee discomfort, decreased knee flexibility, and functional impossibility are frequent clinical symptoms during daily activities(2). Almost any joint can be compromised by osteoarthritis, although the hands, knees, hips, and feet are the most frequently affected ,but most commonly involved joint is knee joint(3). Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent, degenerative, multifactorial joint condition that is characterized by chronic pain and functional dysfunction . Nearly half of all OA cases worldwide are knee OA, which gets worse as people get older and more obese(4, 5). Knee discomfort, which contributes to OA, was also brought on by inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle. In order to prevent pain when engaging in physical activity, people with knee OA further restrict their mobility(6).

Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis: The presence of typical symptoms, physical exam findings, test data, and imaging characteristics all help to confirm a medical diagnosis of knee OA. Knee osteoarthritis can't be diagnosed based on single finding from the followings Literature review: The randomized control trial was conducted in Turkey on osteoarthritis patient to see the effect of kinesio taping results indicate that there were clear decrease in Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) scores (15). In this study there were 13 males (32%) and 28 females (68%). In both groups (K Tape and sham tape) VAS for activity pain, VAS for nocturnal pain, Lequesne index score, NHP score decreased significantly. NHP energy scores were different significantly between the groups in favor of sham taping at the end of the 12-day period. Another research conducted in Germany, the main finding of this study is that wearing a kinesio tape over 3 consecutive days is effective to improve the self-reported perception of pain, joint stiffness, and physical function in patients with OA compared with a sham tape or no intervention (16). The research conducted in Iran on effect of kinesio taping on functional disability in knee osteoarthritic patients result shows that in the kinesio tape group, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the reconstruction of the joint sense position at 30 and 60 angles of knee flexion before and after treatment (17). Therapeutic taping seemed to be superior to control taping in pain control for knee osteoarthritis. Non-elastic taping, but not elastic taping, provides benefits in pain reduction and functional performance (18)

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age group 40 to 60 years of age.
2. Both genders.
3. Radiological findings showing symptomatic 1-3 grade knee osteoarthritis.
4. Sub-acute and chronic knee pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Systemic rheumatoid disease.
2. Hypersensitive skin or lesions in the areas of application for tapes.
3. Inability to perform functional tests needed according to the research protocol
4. Diagnosed or suspected cancer in the region.
5. Within 6 months of intra-articular injections.
6. Constant use of painkillers for alleviation of pain in different regions of the body.
7. Constant use of any orthotics.