Effects of kinesio taping to the quadriceps femoris muscles on functions of elderly women.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of kinesio taping to the quadriceps femoris on functions of elderly women. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 22 elderly women with osteoarthritis, who were divided into two groups of a general exercise group 12 elderly and a kinesiology taping group 12 elderly. Two groups underwent a 30-min exercise for strengthening the lower limb muscles three times per week for four weeks. After the exercise, the kinesiology taping group was treated by the kinesio taping. Kinesio tapes were attached to the quadriceps femoris, three times per week for four weeks. The Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, sit to standing, and Time up & Go test were used for assessment before and after the intervention. [Results] As a result, the kinesiology taping group showed significant differences in the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, sit to standing, and Time up & Go test between pre- and post-intervention, while the general exercise group showed no significant differences in pre- and post-intervention. There was a significant difference in between-group comparison. [Conclusion] The kinesio taping for the quadriceps femoris was effective on improving functions of elderly women with osteoarthritis.