Kinesio Taping reduces pain and improves disability in Low Back Pain patients: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping® (KT) on chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP) Design: Randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: One hundred eight women with chronic nonspecific LBP underwent an evaluation pre, three and ten days after intervention. Interventions: After randomization, participants were assigned in four groups: KT with tension group (KTT) applied Kinesio Taping® with tension in the region of the erector spinae muscles; KT no tension group (KTNT) applied Kinesio Taping® with no tension at the same region; Micropore® group (MP) applied Micropore® tape on the erector spinae muscles; and Control group (CG) did not receive any intervention. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was pain sensation, measured by numerical pain rating scale. Secondary outcomes were: disability, trunk range of motion, strength and electromyographic amplitude, measured by Roland Morris Disability questionnaire, inclinometry, dynamometry and electromyography, respectively. Results: Pain relief was observed for KTT group (mean difference=1,963; CI 95%=0,501 - 3,425; p=0,003) and KTNT group (mean diference=1,926; CI 95%=0,464 - 3,388; p=0,004) compared to control group at 3 days after application of the tape. For disability there was difference between control group and KTT group at 3 (mean difference=3,481; CI 95%=0,825 – 6,138; p=0,004) and 10 days (mean difference=3,185; CI 95%=0,395 - 5,975; p=0,016). For all the others variables, there was no differences between group. Conclusion: KT with or without tension reduces pain 3 days after its application. Additionally, when applied with tension it improves disability after 3 and 10 days in LBP patients.