Effects of Kinesiotaping in Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis will be recognized as a leading cause of pain and functional disability, and conventional physiotherapy will remain a cornerstone of its management. Kinesiotaping will be widely used as an adjunct intervention; however, its additional benefit beyond standard rehabilitation programs will remain unclear. This study will aim to investigate the additional effects of kinesiotaping combined with a conventional physiotherapy and rehabilitation program on pain, functional status, and kinesiophobia in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. A total of 60 participants with unilateral knee osteoarthritis will be included in this randomized controlled trial and will be assigned to either a conventional physiotherapy (CP) group or a kinesiotaping (KT) group. Both groups will receive a 4-week (12 sessions) physiotherapy program including ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, patellofemoral mobilization, and exercise. Kinesiotaping will be applied every 3 days in the KT group. Outcome measures will include pain (VAS), kinesiophobia (TSK, FABQ), functional performance (30-s sit-to-stand, stair climb test), dynamic balance (functional reach), and WOMAC.