Effect of kinesio-taping on the acute phase of the post-operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the Kinesio taping (KT) effects on reducing pain and edema on postoperative (PO) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Design: Controlled and randomized clinical study.

Settings: Individuals of both sexes, aged 18-45, underwent ACL reconstruction were randomized into intervention (IG; n = 19) and control (CG; n = 19) groups.

Methods: Intervention consisted of KT bandage applications at hospital discharge for seven days, and on the 7th PO day, which was removed on the 14th PO. CG received specific instructions from the physiotherapy service. All volunteers were evaluations before and immediately after surgery, on the 7th and 14th PO day. Pain threshold (KgF), evaluated by algometer; edema (cm), evaluated by the perimetry measurements and volume of the lower limbs and the truncated cone test (ml) were the evaluated variables. The Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate intergroup, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett's test to evaluate intragroup.

Results: Edema reduction and increased nociceptive threshold were significant in the 7th (p < 0.001; p = 0.003) and 14th (p < 0.001; p = 0.006) PO day in IG when compared to CG patients. IG perimetry levels, on the 7th and 14th PO were similar to preoperative period (p = 0.229; p = 1.000). IG nociceptive threshold value was similar on the 14th PO to before the surgery (p = 0.987). The same pattern did not occur in CG.

Conclusion: KT treatment reduced edema and increased nociceptive threshold in the 7th and 14th PO ACL reconstruction.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; Athletic tape; Edema; Pain; Rehabilitation.