Kinesiological Taping in Individuals With Meniscus Injury

This study aims to understand the short-term (acute) effects of kinesiology taping on people with mild to moderate meniscus injuries (grade I/II). These injuries, affecting the cartilage in the knee, can cause pain, reduced mobility, and fear of movement. Kinesiology taping, a popular therapy, involves applying elastic tape to support muscles and joints. This research looked at whether taping could improve pain, muscle strength, movement, balance, and quality of life in patients with these knee injuries. Study Design The study will use a randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded design, meaning that patients were randomly assigned to two groups, and neither the patients nor the researchers knew which group each person was in during the treatment. Experimental Group: will receive kinesiology taping on the quadriceps muscle (the large muscle at the front of the thigh) using a 'Y-shaped' technique with moderate tension (25-50% stretch). Control Group: will receive a placebo tape applied without tension and placed in a different direction. Measurements To evaluate the effects of taping, several aspects will be measured both before the tape was applied and 48-72 hours later: Pain levels Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) Muscle strength (ability to extend the knee) Proprioception (awareness of limb position and force applied) Joint range of motion (how much the knee can bend and straighten) Joint position sense (accuracy in detecting knee position with eyes closed) Quality of life, using a questionnaire (SF-36) that assesses various aspects like physical function and energy levels.