What is the evidence for patellar taping (kinesiotaping) and bracing in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee?
AMSTAR Rating
Summary
Patient Population:
The 3 studies that focused on knee OA reported mean ages >50 years.
Intervention:
Patellar taping or bracing alone (11 studies) or in combination with other interventions (5 studies) which, most often, included physical therapy treatments or exercise. In all taping studies – tape was applied with medially-directed force to the patella. In all bracing studies, there was a group in which the brace was designed to apply a medially-directed force to the patella.
Comparison:
Patellar taping in knee OA was compared against sham taping or no taping. There were 16 studies identified for inclusion (7 RCTs, 9 randomized crossover trials). 13 studies examined the effectiveness of patellar taping or bracing in chronic anterior knee pain. 3 studies examined the effectiveness of taping in individuals with knee OA.
Outcome:
Pain: medially directed patellar taping vs. sham taping/no taping – significant difference in favour of taping (WMD=-0.69; 95% CI -1.11 to -0.29).
Guideline Recommendations
| Source | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| ACR (2019) Kinesiotaping | Conditionally recommended |
| ACR (2019) Tibofemoral Knee Brace | Strongly recommended |
| ACR (2019) Patellofemoral Knee Brace | Conditionally recommend |
Outcomes Assessed
- Benefit
- Harm
- Inconclusive
Patellar Taping
Pain
