Kinesio taping for isolated meniscus injuries
The Effect of Kinesiotaping on Pain and Functionality in Isolated Meniscus Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Study
This trial will test if adding kinesio taping to standard home exercises helps adults 18–50 with MRI-confirmed isolated meniscus injuries reduce knee pain and improve function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Balıkesir) |
| Trial ID | NCT07574307 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial enrolls adults aged 18–50 with MRI-confirmed isolated meniscus degeneration and knee pain lasting more than two weeks. Participants are stratified by age, gender, and BMI and randomized into three groups: standard exercise therapy alone, standard therapy plus kinesio taping, or standard therapy plus sham (tension-free) taping. Standard therapy includes quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, stretching, proprioceptive exercises, and activity modification performed at home five days per week for three weeks, while kinesio or sham taping is applied three times at five-day intervals. Pain and functional status are measured before and after the three-week intervention to compare effects between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–50 with MRI-confirmed isolated meniscus degeneration (grades 1–3), knee pain longer than two weeks, no recent knee surgery or intraarticular injections, and willingness to perform the prescribed home exercise program.
Not a fit: Patients with ligament injuries, advanced knee osteoarthritis, recent trauma, rheumatic or neurological disease, skin allergy to kinesio tape, or cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, adding kinesio taping could provide short-term pain relief and improved knee function when combined with exercise.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials and systematic reviews of kinesio taping for knee pain show mixed and mostly modest short-term benefits, so evidence specific to isolated meniscus injury remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-50 * Knee pain lasting longer than 2 weeks * Having a diagnosis of isolated meniscus injury (grade 1, 2 or 3 meniscus degeneration) confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) * Not having undergone knee surgery in the last 6 months * Not having received intraarticular injections in the knee area * Being willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Trauma history * Anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injury * Collateral ligament injuries * Advanced knee osteoarthritis * Rheumatic or neurological disease * Allergy or skin condition to kinesiotape * History of intraarticular injection * Neuromuscular dysfunction * Rheumatological disease * Cognitive dysfunction
Where this trial is running
Balıkesir
- Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University Faculty of Medicine — Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nurten NAS KIRDAR, Assistant Professor — Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University
- Study coordinator: Nurten NAS KIRDAR, Assistant Professor
- Email: nkirdar@bandirma.edu.tr
- Phone: +905415511691
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.