A Comparison of 6 Weeks of Aquatic Exercise and Kinesio Taping in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Context: In many societies, although chronic low back pain (LBP) is a significant problem, there is no consensus on the optimal therapeutic intervention. Objective: To compare the impact of aquatic exercise (AE) and kinesio taping (KT) on the pain intensity and functional incapacity in women with chronic nonspecific LBP. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Participants: Thirty-six women with chronic nonspecific LBP (mean [SD]: age = 50.69 [4.187] y) participated. Interventions: Participants randomly assigned to AE (n = 12), KT (n = 12), and nontreatment control (n = 12) groups for 6 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Pain intensity and functional disability were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention. Results: Pain intensity decreased more in the AE group than in the KT group (5.9–0.5 cm [91.6% decrease] vs 5.7–2.4 cm [58.1% decrease], respectively; P < .001 for both after Bonferroni post hoc test); the values decreased more in the 2 treatment groups than in the control group (P < .001 for between-group comparisons). Disability decreased more in the AE group (43.2%–18.8% [55.6% decrease]) than the KT group (37.8%–19.3% [48.3% decrease]) (P < .001 for both comparisons), but increased in the control group (38.7%–41.2% [6.5% increase]; P = .045). Conclusion: These results suggest AE and KT treatment methods provide pain intensity and disability improvements in women with chronic nonspecific LBP. Nevertheless, AE was more effective than KT.

The efficacy of kinesio taping as an adjunct to physical therapy for chronic low back pain for at least two weeks

“…A relatively new treatment method for CLBP is Kinesio taping (KT), which is being widely used as a relatively novel band-aid method to reduce the pain of musculoskeletal disorders [4] . KT is an elastic bonding material containing high tensile capacity, which ensures the free movement of the application area without the need of drugs or chemicals [5–7] . Studies have shown that KT improves blood and lymph circulation, mitigates pain, adjusts joints, and relives muscle tension [8] …”

“…[4] KT is an elastic bonding material containing high tensile capacity, which ensures the free movement of the application area without the need of drugs or chemicals. [5][6][7] Studies have shown that KT improves blood and lymph circulation, mitigates pain, adjusts joints, and relives muscle tension. [8] One meta-analysis demonstrated that KT could improve pain and function in patients with CLBP compared with sham taping.…”

Effectiveness of thoracic kinesio taping on respiratory function and muscle strength in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…KT can be extended to 140% of the original length, providing a good range of motion in comparison with other types of tape. [ 7 , 8 ] Studies have shown that KT improves blood and lymph circulation, mitigates pain, adjusts joints, and relives muscle tension. Although the effect of KT on pain is unclear, KT may provide afferent stimuli that promote pain inhibition mechanisms and pain relief.…”

Aquatic Exercise Impact on Pain Intensity, Disability and Quality of Life in Adults with Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Two common treatments that are often employed for chronic LBP are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and infrared ray thermal therapy (Jamison et al, 2019; Wong et al, 2012). Among the wide range of therapeutic exercises available, aquatic exercise is frequently recommended by physicians for chronic LBP, and it is becoming more and more popular as a treatment for this disorder (Alikhajeh et al, 2020; Zampogna et al, 2020). Therapeutic aquatic exercise refers to water-based treatments or exercise.…”

“…Therapeutic aquatic exercise refers to water-based treatments or exercise. In view of water’s diverse characteristics, such as buoyancy pressure, density, heat capacity, and conductivity, it is a perfect setting for undertaking a workout program (Alikhajeh et al, 2020; Baena-Beato et al, 2013; Lahart & Metsios, 2018; Rivas Neira et al, 2017). In addition, compared to land-based exercise interventions, a person can benefit from the thermal impact of water in a shorter period of time.…”