Comparative Effects Of Low-Intensity Laser Therapy With And Without Kinesio Taping On Pain, Range Of Motion, Functional Disability And Performance In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic joint disease affecting cartilage, leading to symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It affects around 34% of adults aged 65 and over, causing significant medical expenses and reduced quality of life. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) and traditional knee exercise (TKE) with and without Kinesio taping (KT) on pain, range of motion, functional disability, and performance in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out and a total of 30 diagnosed patients of knee OA with age range between 40-70 years was included in the trial and assigned randomly into two groups. Group A received LILT and KT with traditional exercises (Isometric strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstring, active ankle pumping exercises, static and dynamic strengthening exercises) and Group B received LILT with traditional exercises. The treatment plan consists of 12 sessions (three times a week for a total of four weeks). Knee ROM was measured by goniometer, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index (WOMAC) was used for measuring functional disability with its sub scales (pain, stiffness and function), and physical performance was evaluated by 30 second chair sit to stand test (30CST) in addition to 6-minute walking test (6MWT).    

Results Mean age of patients in group A and B was 56.1±7.9 and 52.8 ± 5.8 years respectively. Analysis revealed that there was statistically significant difference in VAS ROM, 6 min walk test, WOMAC and CST scores of both groups after the treatment of 4 weeks with p-value <0.05. Group A showed greater improvement in pain, ROM, physical performance and functional disability than group B.

Conclusion: Positive effects were seen in both groups, but LILT and traditional exercises with KT were found to be more effective in improving pain, knee flexion range of motion, functional disability and physical performance in KOA patients.