• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Kynesio-taping therapy (KTT) on chronic joint pain among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A pre-experimental design was used. KTT was employed on 23 consenting community older adults visiting a community center. KTT was applied on the painful joint for 3-4 days. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale. Results: Frequent locations of pain were waist (43.8%), knee (28.1%), shoulder (12.4%), and head (9.4%). Time of severe pain during the day was mid-day (47.8%), early morning (21.7%), and evening (13.0%). Pain relief management included hospital visitation (65.2%), medication (17.4%), and application of a poultice (13.0%). Pain scores were significantly decreased after KTT compared to pretest scores acquired prior to taping (p<.001). Conclusions: KTT is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and effective form of pain relief in older adults with chronic joint pain. Clinical practitioners can consider KTT as a complementary method of chronic pain control in older adults.