The efficacy of kinesio tape in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials

Yinghao Li; Lu Mei; Shugela Rahat; Long Pang; Ran Li; Yan Xiong; Jian Li; Xin Tang

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25606

The efficacy of kinesio tape in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials

Heliyon. 2024 Feb 4;10(3):e25606. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25606. eCollection 2024 Feb 15.

Authors

Yinghao Li^{1

2}, Lu Mei^{1

3}, Shugela Rahat^{1

2}, Long Pang^{1

2}, Ran Li⁴, Yan Xiong^{1

2}, Jian Li^{1

2}, Xin Tang^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Sports Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
² Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
³ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, China.
⁴ Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of Kinesio tape (KT) in lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) has been widely discussed, but controversy remains.

Objectives: To perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the literature to ascertain the efficacy of KT in LET.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Method: Two independent reviewers carried out a literature search in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Any discrepancies were addressed by a third author. Included in the study were RCTs comparing KT to a control group in the context of LET. The quality of evidence was assessed with the 2.0 version of Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Evaluation centered on clinical outcomes, such as function scores and pain, with comparison made using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the mean difference for continuous variables. Statistical significance was considered for P values < 0.05.

Results: Included in this review are 11 RCTs with 562 patients. Significant results were noted in favor of KT compared with control based on the visual analog scale score at movement (SMD = -1.17; P = 0.03); visual analog scale score at movement (SMD = -1.08; P < 0.00001); maximal grip strength (SMD = 0.69; P < 0.00001); pain pressure threshold (SMD = 1.14; P < 0.00001); Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire score (SMD = -1.16; P = 0.02) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score (SMD = -1.19; P < 0.00001).

Conclusion: The current evidence shows that KT can improve pain levels and the function of elbow joint in patients with LET, and this improvement is might be clinically significant. We assume that physiotherapists can consider trying the KT in LET patients. Future quality studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and explore the mechanism of KT.

Keywords: Kinesio tape; Lateral elbow tendinopathy; Meta-analysis; Pain.