Current study results on osteoarthritis have been published by Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University. Researchers investigated the clinical and functional effects of a combined intervention involving kinesiotaping and physiotherapy in football players diagnosed with Grade 2 or less osteoarthritis following degenerative meniscal tears. The study aimed to determine whether this intervention could alleviate pain, improve functional status, and enhance sports performance in affected athletes.

Key Takeaways:

• Fifty-six football players with grade 2 or less osteoarthritis following degenerative meniscal tears were randomly assigned to two groups: Kinesiotaping and physiotherapy (Group A) and Physiotherapy alone (Group B).
• The study found significant interaction between groups (A and B) and time (before and after intervention) (p=0.001), indicating that Group A showed more improvement in pain intensity, functional status, sports performance, and quality of life compared to Group B.
• After eight weeks of intervention, Group A showed significant improvement in pain intensity (3.1 ± 2.94 to 3.25), functional disability (WOMAC) (30.0 ± 28.16 to 31.83), timed up and go test (4.9 ± 4.34 to 5.45), 40m zig-zag test (6.3 ± 5.54 to 7.05), and quality of life (-30.4 ± -33.2 to -27.5) compared to Group B.
• The results suggest that kinesiotaping with physiotherapy can provide significant improvement in pain intensity, functional status, sports performance, and quality of life in patients with grade 2 or less osteoarthritis following degenerative meniscal tears in football players.

Statistics:

• 56 football players were randomly assigned to two groups
• 8 weeks of intervention
• 6 months of follow-up
• Significant interaction between groups (A and B) and time (before and after intervention) (p=0.001)
• Pain intensity improved by 3.1 points (95% CI 2.94 to 3.25) in Group A after 8 weeks of intervention
• Functional disability (WOMAC) improved by 30.0 points (95% CI 28.16 to 31.83) in Group A after 8 weeks of intervention
• Timed up and go test improved by 4.9 seconds (95% CI 4.34 to 5.45) in Group A after 8 weeks of intervention
• 40m zig-zag test improved by 6.3 seconds (95% CI 5.54 to 7.05) in Group A after 8 weeks of intervention
• Quality of life improved by -30.4 points (95% CI -33.2 to -27.5) in Group A after 8 weeks of intervention

Sources:

• NewsRx. Reports Outline Osteoarthritis Study Findings from Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (Clinical and Functional Effects of Kinesiotaping and Physiotherapy In Grade 2 or Less Osteoarthritis Following Degenerative Meniscal Tears In Football ...). Health & Medicine Week. June 20, 2025; p 3529.
• Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin. Clinical and Functional Effects of Kinesiotaping and Physiotherapy In Grade 2 or Less Osteoarthritis Following Degenerative Meniscal Tears In Football Players - a Randomized Control Trial. 2025.