Abstract
Introduction
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition that results in pain, muscular fatigue, functional instability, and disability. Bracing and taping can be a suitable treatment for knee OA, hence the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a soft knee brace and kinesiotaping (KT) on gait and balance parameters in patients with knee OA.
Material and methods
Twenty-three patients with knee OA, grade I or II were evaluated. Gait parameters were measured using the motion analysis system including gait velocity and stance time (of the affected limb). Balance parameters including Overall Stability Index (OSI) and Medial-Lateral Stability Index variables were assessed using the Biodex stability system. Patients were assessed in three situations: without a knee soft brace or KT, with a soft brace, and with KT. The time interval was one week between each measurement. A paired t-test was used to compare patients in the three conditions.
Results
There were statistically significant differences in all gait and balance parameters except for the OSI after using kinesiotaping (p < 0.05) but not after bracing. There were clinical improvements in all outcomes after taping more significant than after a soft knee brace.
Conclusions
Kinesiotaping is more effective than the soft knee brace for gait and balance improvement in patients with knee OA.