Kinesio Taping After Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

The Efficacy of the Combined Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Kinesio Taping in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled study evaluated whether kinesio taping provided additional benefits compared with sham taping in women with knee osteoarthritis who had received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment as part of routine clinical care. Sixty women aged 50 to 65 years with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 to 3 knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either kinesio taping or sham taping. Taping was applied once weekly for 6 weeks. Participants were assessed before taping and at weeks 3, 6, and 12. Outcomes included pain, function, physical performance, knee extensor strength, knee range of motion, and quality of life. The study aimed to determine whether kinesio taping after PRP treatment was more effective than sham taping in improving pain, function, physical performance, knee extensor strength, knee range of motion and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female participants aged 50 to 65 years
• Diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria
• Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grade 1 to 3 knee osteoarthritis
• Received three platelet-rich plasma injections at 3-week intervals as part of routine clinical care
• Ability to walk without an assistive device
• Body mass index below 35 kg/m²
• Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Knee surgery within the previous 6 months
• Intra-articular injection other than platelet-rich plasma within the previous 3 months
• Systemic inflammatory joint disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or gout
• Known allergy or adverse skin reaction to kinesio tape
• Skin condition preventing tape application, including skin sensitivity or an open wound
• Neuromuscular disease causing lower-extremity muscle weakness
• Perceptual or coordination impairment