Background: Kinesio taping (KT) is an intervention method used to improve early function after surgery; however, the effect of KT varies depending on the intervention method. Objectives: To investigated systematically review and quantitatively analyze the effect of KT randomized controlled trials (RCTs) applied to Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to determine the value of the treatment method for TKA patients. Design: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Studies were identified by searching multiple electronic databases from January 2023 to February 2023. We selected RCTs comparing KT or no treatment, standard physical therapy, multimodal therapeutic approaches. When possible, we pooled data using random-effects meta-analysis. The Cochrane Bias Method Group's seven-item risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used for RCTs. The main outcomes were pain, swelling, and ROM. Results: Three trials (290 patients) provided sufficient data and were similar enough to be pooled for meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference for a reduction of pain was SMD = -1.02, 95 % CI -1.93 to -0.12; p= 0.03; I2= 92 %. The standardized mean difference for a reduction of swelling was SMD= - 0.23, 95 % CI -0.50 to -0.05; p= 0.10; I2= 58 %. The standardized mean difference for ROM was SMD= 1.06, 95 % CI -0.08 to 2.20; p= 0.07; I2= 95 %. Conclusion: KT has a large effect on pain reduction in TKA patients and could be used as an additional treatment option, but a small effect was observed in swelling and ROM.

INTRODUCTION
METHODS
    Study Design
    Eligibility Criteria
    Search Strategy
    Data Extraction
    Quality Assessment
    Strategy for Data Synthesis
RESULTS
    Literature Search and Characteristics of the IncludedRandomized Clinical Trials
    Methodological Quality Assessment
    KT applied to TKA patients
    Effect of KT on pain in TKA patients
    Effect of KT on swelling in TKA patients
    Effect of KT on knee joint flexion ROM in TKApatients
    Publication bias
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION

• Dajeong Kim, PT MS(GSAM Hospital of Physical Therapist, Gunpo, Republic of Korea)
• Soonhee Kim, PT, PhD(Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University, Yongin, Republic of Korea)
• Japung Koo, PT, Prof., PhD(Department of Physical Therapy, Pohang University, Pohang, Republic of Korea)
• Shinjun Park, PT, Prof., PhD(Department of Physical Therapy, Suwon Women’s University, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author