EFFECT OF KINESIO TAPING COMBINED WITH EXERCISE ON POSTOPERATIVE SWELLING AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Abstract

Background:
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is widely performed to relieve pain and improve function in patients
with advanced knee osteoarthritis. However, postoperative swelling, pain, and limited mobility can
delay rehabilitation. Kinesio Taping (KT) has been suggested as an adjunct therapy to enhance
recovery, but its effectiveness remains unclear.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of Kinesio Taping combined with exercise on postoperative swelling and
functional outcomes in patients following TKR.
Methodology:
A randomized controlled study was conducted on 40 postoperative TKR patients. Participants were
divided into two groups: Group A (Kinesio Taping with exercise) and Group B (exercise alone), with
20 subjects in each group. Outcome measures included knee circumference (swelling), Visual
Analogue Scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and WOMAC score.
Assessments were done at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Results:
Both groups showed significant improvement in all outcome measures (p < 0.05). However, Group A
demonstrated significantly greater reduction in swelling and pain, along with better improvement in
ROM, TUG, and WOMAC scores compared to Group B (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Kinesio Taping combined with exercise is more effective than exercise alone in improving
postoperative recovery following TKR.