Comparative Effects of Kinesio-Taping and Progressive Loading Exercise Program on Pain and Quality of Life in Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE), commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain and functional limitations due to repetitive stress on the extensor tendons. Conservative interventions such as Kinesio-Taping (KT) and Progressive Loading Exercise (PLE) are frequently employed; however, comparative evidence evaluating their clinical efficacy remains inconclusive. Objective: To compare the effects of Kinesio-Taping and a Progressive Loading Exercise program on pain intensity and quality of life in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Methods: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 32 patients diagnosed with LE for less than three months and allocated them equally into two groups: KT (n=16) and PLE (n=16). Both groups received therapeutic ultrasound prior to intervention. Outcomes were measured at baseline, week 2, and week 6 using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain and the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) for quality of life, including Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Results: The KT group demonstrated a significant reduction in NPRS scores from 6.44 to 2.38 and a marked improvement in PCS from 35.31 to 68.69 (p<0.001), while the PLE group showed minimal changes. Between-group comparisons at six weeks revealed statistically and clinically significant differences in NPRS (p=0.001) and PCS (p=0.001) favoring KT. Conclusion: Kinesio-Taping is significantly more effective than Progressive Loading Exercise in reducing pain and improving physical quality of life over a six-week period in patients with lateral epicondylitis, supporting its use as an effective early-phase conservative intervention.