The effects of kinesiotaping in patients with low back pain

The purpose of the study was to find out the research the KT has an impact on pain, functional disability, range of motion, lumbar mobility, static and dynamic balance, and posterior pelvic tilt strength in patients with low back pain. 60 patients who were send for rehabilitation included and divided into 3 groups ; KT (kinesiotape), PT (placebo tape) and NT (control). Taping was done every end of session. The evaluations were performed three times; before treatment , at the end of treatment and one month later after the end of treatment. Evaluations for pain intensity (VAS, NRS), functional impairment (Oswestry, Roland Morris), range of motion (goniometer), lumbar mobility (modified schober), static and dynamic balance (flamingo and SEBT) and strength of posterior pelvic tilt (stabilizer) were done. Flamingo test showed significant improvement in all groups after treatment. However, no significant difference was found between the groups. In the SEBT, no difference was found between the groups except the left posterolateral direction. Diffrence before treatment- after treatment and before treatment- one month later was significant. The significance between the measurements is more than after treatment- one month later measurement. In the Oswestry and Roland morris questionnaire, there were no significant differences between the groups in the measurements of schober, stabilizer, lumbar flexion, extension, left lateral flexion. Significant improvement was found at all measurements. The significance between the after treatment and four weeks later measurements was less than the difference between the other measurements. Only VAS, NRS, left SEBT showed significant difference between the groups in posterolateral direction, right lateral flexion measurements. VAS and NRS showed a statistically significant difference in the right lateral flexion NT group compared to the other groups. As a result, according to the evaluations performed, there was a significant difference in the pain relief of the KT group compared to the other groups, therefore it was effective in decreasing KT pain. In addition to exercises and electrotherapy modalities in the treatment of low back pain, the use of KT as an additional and cost-effective and easy method may be advisable. Key Words: low back pain, kinesiotape, pain, functional disability, balance