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Effects on proprioception by Kinesio taping of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament rupture

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology volume 28, pages 1157–1164 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction

The use of Kinesio tape (KT) to improve proprioception is a matter of considerable debate. In comparison, the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a sufficiently well-investigated injury with a proven compromise of proprioception. The objective of the present study was to assess a supportive effect on proprioception after KT application, taking the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture as an example.

Materials and methods

Forty-eight patients who had suffered an ACL rupture, confirmed clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging, and who were treated conservatively or were awaiting surgery were included in this study. In all patients, a gait analysis was performed on the affected leg before and after KT application. In addition, the IKDC score, the Lysholm score, stability using the Rolimeter, and the angle reproduction test were determined.

Results

Thirty-nine men and nine women who had had an ACL rupture for at least 3 weeks were included in the study. Significant improvements were achieved on the affected knee joint for the gait analysis parameters touchdown and unrolling, cadence, stability and stance phase as well as an extension of the hip joint. The Lysholm score improved from 79.3 to 85.8 (p < 0.001) and the IKDC score from 60.2 to 71.3 points (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were achieved in the Rolimeter and angle reproduction test.

Conclusions

The use of KT has a positive effect on proprioception in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Therefore, the application may improve gait pattern as well as the subjective function of the affected knee joint.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Jena University Hospital, Campus Eisenberg, Klosterlausnitzer Straße 81, 07607, Eisenberg, Germany

    Lars Bischoff, Jürgen Babisch, Frank Layher, Klaus Sander, Georg Matziolis, Stefan Pietsch & Eric Röhner

  2. Orthopaedic Department, Helios-Klinikum Erfurt GmbH, Erfurt, Germany

    Jürgen Babisch

  3. Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, MEDICA-Hospital, Leipzig, Germany

    Christian Babisch

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  1. Lars Bischoff
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  2. Christian Babisch
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  3. Jürgen Babisch
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Correspondence to Eric Röhner.

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Bischoff, L., Babisch, C., Babisch, J. et al. Effects on proprioception by Kinesio taping of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 28, 1157–1164 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-018-2167-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-018-2167-1

Keywords

  • Kinesio tape
  • Proprioception
  • Anterior cruciate ligament