Kinesio taping as a treatment method in the acute phase of ACL reconstruction: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Objective: In this study, we aimed on investigating the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) in acute postoperative rehabilitation phase of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: Thirty male patients (mean age: 28.1 years) with ACL reconstruction were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) an experimental group to receive a KT treatment through the muscle and lymphatic correction techniques; or (2) a control group for sham KT. Both interventions were applied twice during a 10-day period from the fourth postoperative day. All patients received the same rehabilitation program for three months. The groups were compared according to range of motion (ROM), pain, swelling and muscle strength before treatment and on the fifth and tenth treatment days. Subjective evaluations were made with the Lysholm, modified Cincinnati and Tegner scores on the first and third postoperative months.

Results: Intragroup comparisons showed significant improvements in both groups on the fifth and tenth day and first and third month evaluations (p < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in swelling around the patella, all pain measurements and hamstring muscle strength on the fifth KT day and knee flexion range of motion (ROM), night pain, all swelling measurements and hamstring muscle strength on the tenth KT day (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results revealed that KT techniques applied in addition to the acute rehabilitation program of ACL reconstruction are beneficial in treatment of pain, swelling, knee flexion ROM, and hamstring muscle strength.

Level of evidence: Level I, Therapeutic study