Effectiveness of kinesio taping in bicipital tendinitis treatment: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: Biceps tendinitis is characterized by inflammation of the biceps long head, and treatment options include various conservative and surgical methods. Kinesiotaping (KT) has benefited in reducing pain and providing motor control in various shoulder disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of KT application in patients with biceps tendinitis in terms of pain, pain threshold, upper extremity functionality level and quality of life. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with biceps tendinitis were divided into two groups randomly, each comprising 40 patients. The study group received KT with an exercise program, the control group received an exercise program only. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were conducted. Pain threshold was evaluated with a digital algometer, pain severity with visual analog scale (VAS), functional capacity with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score (Q-DASH) and quality of life with Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Results: The mean duration of the symptoms was 4.5 months and the mean age was 45.80 +/- 8.48 years. Pain intensity decreased during activity (p<0.001) and pain thresholds increased (p<0.001) in the KT group. Q-DASH scores improved significantly in patients in the KT group, there was a less significance in the control group (p<0.001, 0.043). The NHP scores except social isolation improved in all sub-parameters of the KT group and there was no significance in control group (p>0.05, 0.003, 0.012, 0.023, 0.225, 0.035, 0.029, 0.006). Discussion: KT application decreases pain and increases the functional capacity level and can also play a role in improving the general quality of life in biceps tendinitis treatment.