The Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping® after total knee replacement in early postoperative rehabilitation period. A randomized clinical trial
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2014-06-02 |
BACKGROUND: The number of total knee replacements performed each year is increasing. Main problems impeding process of function recovery after these surgeries include postoperative edema, pain, lower limb muscle strength deficits, implying the need to seek for safe, effective postoperative rehabilitation modalities. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping® method in reducing postoperative pain, edema, improving knee function recovery after total knee replacement operation in early postoperative rehabilitation period. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation facility. POPULATION: 94 patients, who underwent primary total knee replacement surgery. METHODS: Using simple randomization, participants were divided into kinesio taping group and control group. Both groups received same rehabilitation program and procedures after surgery, except kinesio taping group also received Kinesio Taping® applications throughout all rehabilitation period. Postoperative pain, edema, restoration of the operated knee flexion and extension were evaluated. The chosen level of significance was p<0.05; in evaluation power of the test ß≤0.2. Groups were homogenous according sex, age, BMI, comorbidities, preoperative knee flexion/extension impairment, preoperative pain intensity, anaesthesia, prosthesis implanted (p>0.05). RESULTS: In both groups postoperative pain decreased significantly during rehabilitation period, however pain was found lesser in kinesio taping group from the second postoperative weak till the end of inpatient rehabilitation (28th postoperative day) (p<0.05; ß≤0.2). Postoperative edema was less intense and regressed quicker in kinesio taping group as well (p<0.05; ß≤0.2). No difference was found in improvement of knee flexion (p>0.05). Operated knee extension was found better in kinesio taping group then in control at the end of in-patient rehabilitation (p<0.05; ß