Introduction: Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic degenerative joint condition. It is common in older people, whose quality of life deteriorates due to reduced mobility. Very few effective methods of treatment are available, and physical therapy is applied to alleviate symptoms. Kinesio taping is a relatively new technique in physical therapy and is primarily used with patients with muscular and skeletal problems, although its efficacy has yet to be more thoroughly researched. If properly applied, Kinesio tapes are supposed to wrinkle the skin and thus improve blood and lymph circulation and consequently ease the pain. Purpose: Review of the efficacy of Kinesio taping in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Method: Review of literature dealing with randomised controlled trials published between 2015 in 2018. The literature reviewed was all in the English language. Results: The literature review included five randomised controlled trials. In two of them, the efficacy of Kinesio taping was reported, but the results were inconclusive. Discussion and conclusion: Kinesio taping has a positive impact on pain and knee flexibility in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. It is presumed that their efficacy might in part be due to the placebo effect. Advantages of Kinesio tapes over sham tapes cannot be ascertained, as the results obtained are comparable. As osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic condition, further trials will be needed in order to more thoroughly research the efficacy of Kinesio taping and its long-term effects.
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