Effect of kinesiotaping and physical therapy on the knee joint function after anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Problem: Anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint is very important structure, which ensures the normal knee biomechanic and function. Neuromotor control, sensory and motor systems, muscle activation, muscle strength as well as balance are affected after anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Kinesiotaping – is an effective treatment method, which helps to restore function of muscles and reduce pain. Research object: changes in thigh muscle strength, balance, pain and function of knee applying physical therapy and kinesiotaping. Aim of research: to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping and physical therapy on the knee joint function after anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Goals of research: 1. To evaluate thigh muscle strength, balance, pain intensity and subjective knee function before and after applying physical therapy and kinesiotaping in patients of investigative group. 2. To evaluate thigh muscle strength, balance, pain intensity and subjective knee function before and after applying physical therapy in patients of control group. 3. Compare evaluated indicators between groups. Hypothesis of the study: We believe that function of the knee, should recover better when applying both physical therapy and kinesiotaping after anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Methods and organization: The study was performed in the laboratory of the Lithuanian Sports University and physical therapy hall in January – February, 2013. Sixteen untrained adults after anterior cruciate ligament rupture participated in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: investigative (n = 8) – patients who received physical therapy and kinesiotaping, and control group (n = 8) – who received only physical therapy. Physical therapy lasted for 4 weeks (3 times per week). One patient of investigative group got kinesiotaping applications. Pain intensity, functional characteristics as static and dynamic balance, thigh muscle strength and function of the knee were evaluated before and after four weeks of interventions. Conclusions: 1. Thigh muscle strength, balance, subjective knee function improved, and pain intensity decreased significantly in subjects of investigative group, who received physical therapy and kinesiotaping. 2. Thigh muscle strength, balance, subjective knee function improved, and pain intensity decreased significantly in subjects of investigative group, who received only physical therapy. 3. No statistically significant differences in evaluated indicators between two groups were found out