Short-term effect of kinesiology taping on pain, functional disability and lumbar proprioception in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a double-blinded, randomized trial

Abstract

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on lumbar proprioception, pain, and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods Thirty individuals with nonspecific CLBP participated in this double-blinded, randomized clinical trial from July 2017 to September 2018. The participants were randomized into two groups: KT (n = 15) and placebo group (n = 15). KT was applied with 15–25% tension for 72 h, and placebo taping was used without tension. Lumbar repositioning error was measured by a bubble inclinometer at three different angles (45° and 60° flexion, and 15° extension) in upright standing. Pain and disability were assessed by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. All measurements were recorded at baseline and 3 days after taping. Results Pain and disability scores reduced 3 days after taping in the KT group with large effect sizes (p < 0.05). Only the total score of pain was significantly different between the groups 3 days after taping and improved more in the KT group with a large effect size (p < 0.05). However, lumbar repositioning errors were similar between the groups after 3 days (p > 0.05). Also, only constant error of 15° extension showed a moderate correlation with disability (r = 0.39, p = 0.02). Conclusion KT can decrease pain and disability scores after 3 days of application. Although placebo taping can reduce pain, the effect of KT is higher than placebo taping. The findings do not support the therapeutic effect of KT and placebo taping as a tool to enhance lumbar proprioception in patients with nonspecific CLBP. Trial registration The study prospectively registered on 21.05.2018 at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20090301001722N20.

Effect of kinesio taping on low back pain during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…It usually occurs between the fifth and seventh months of pregnancy, and in some cases, pregnancy pain in the lower back can begin as early as eight to 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Women who have lower back problems before pregnancy are at higher risk for lower back pain, which can start early in pregnancy [ 33 , 34 ]. A follow-up survey of 1131 pregnant women in the United States found that 0.4% of low back pain occurred in early pregnancy, 24.4% in the second trimester, and 75.1% in the third trimester.…”

“…The mechanism of KT may not be completely clear, but as physical therapy, KT is widely used in the clinic. In recent years, clinical attention has been paid to the effect of KT on low back pain during pregnancy, and relevant studies have been published, showing that KT has a significant effect on low back pain during pregnancy [ 27 , 34 ].…”

Effect of Kinesio Taping on Low Back Pain During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…It usually occurs between the fth and seventh months of pregnancy, and in some cases, pregnancy pain in the lower back can begin as early as eight to 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Women who have lower back problems before pregnancy are at higher risk for lower back pain, which can start early in pregnancy [31,32]. A follow-up survey of 1131 pregnant women in the United States found that 0.4% of low back pain occurred in early pregnancy, 24.4% in the second trimester, and 75.1% in the third trimester.…”

Immediate Effect of Hot Pack versus Kinesiotape and Hot Pack on Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhea

“…(9) One study done by Soheila Abbasi from Iran concluded that Kinesiotape can decrease pain and disability scores in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain after 3 days of kinesiotape application. (10) So, there is conflict in literature about immediate effect of kinesiotape for relieving pain.…”