Abstract

Background and purpose: Osteoarthritis of the hand is one of the most prevalent joint diseases in older adults. Hand has a key role in daily activities, therefore, its impairment causes disability and reduces independency. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio taping and hand exercise on pain, range of motion, and grip strength in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 20 patients with hand osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either Kinesio taping group or exercise group. Visual analogue scale, goniometer and dynamometer measurements were used to assess the severity of pain, range of motion, and grip strength, respectively, at baseline and two months after the intervention. In Kinesio taping method the tape was applied only on wrist extensor muscles and thumb. In other group, conventional rehabilitation interventions were used. Results: In this study, grip strength and range of motion improved after intervention in both groups, but pain intensity was significantly less in the group applying Kinesio taping (P= 0.001). More improvements were seen in grip strength in exercise group. There were significant differences between the two groups in pain and grip strength (P= 0.043, P= 0.028, respectively). Conclusion: In current research, Kinesio taping and hand exercise showed positive effects on pain, range of motion, and grip strength in patients with hand osteoarthritis. © 2018, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.