Evaluation of short-term and residual effects of Kinesio taping in chronic lateral epicondylitis: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is degenerative tendinosis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and is the most common work/sports-related chronic musculoskeletal problem affecting the elbow. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the short term and residual effectiveness of the Kinesio taping method on pain, grip force, quality of life, and functionality.Study Design: Randomized, double-blinded, controlled study. Methods: Subjects were 50 patients diagnosed with chronic unilateral lateral epicondylitis with a symp-tom duration of at least 12 weeks. During the first four weeks, the study group received a true inhibitor Kinesio taping while the control group received sham taping. In both groups, progressive stretching and strengthening exercises were given as a home program for six weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for self-report of pain intensity; secondary outcome measures were Cyriax resistive muscle test evaluation, maximal grip strength, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). After the treatment, patients were evaluated by the first assessor who was blinded to taping types.Results: There was a significant decrease in NRS scores overtime during the first four weeks in both groups ( P < .001,) and effect sizes were large. There was no significant difference in Cyriax muscle re-sistance test maximal grip strength between groups ( P > .05). However, there was a significant improve-ment in muscle strength of elbow extension and pronation in the study group detected in the intragroup analysis. Intragroup comparisons also showed a significant improvement in all subunits of the PRTEE and SF-36 except energy/vitality, social functioning, and pain in both groups ( P < .05) with moderate to high effect sizes. PRTEE pain scores were significantly decreased in the study group compared to the placebo group ( P < .05, d = 0.48).Conclusion: The effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength, quality of life, and function in chronic lat-eral epicondylitis are not superior to placebo. However, NRS scores showed that in the two weeks after Kinesio taping treatment, pain reduction persisted as a residual effect which may improve the exercise adherence and functionality.