Effects of two different kinesio taping applications on pain and functional mobility in pregnants with lumbopelvic pain

A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical study was conducted to compare the effects of two different kinesio tape techniques on pain and functional mobility in pregnants with lumbopelvic pain with each other and with placebo taping. 47 pregnants with lumbopelvic pain were randomized into three groups: the lumbopelvic taping (LP, n=16, an average of 30.18 weeks), the abdominal supported lumbopelvic taping (ALP, n=16, an average of 30.06 weeks), and the placebo taping (n=15, an average of 29.46 weeks). Clinical tests were applied to classify lumbopelvic pain. Before taping, 45-60 minutes, three days and one week after taping the pain intensity was determined by visual analogue scale; functional mobility by Timed Up and Go, Five Times Sit to Stand, Stair Climbing Test; activity limitations by Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire. All groups were also given ergonomic training. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26 program. The results of the study showed that there was a decrease in rest pain, general pain, and pain intensity during functional mobility tests in all three groups; in the LP and ALP groups, general pain, the intensity of pain felt during the five times sit to stand and stair-climbing test decreased more than in the placebo group (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups in terms of completing the functional mobility tests after the applications (p>0.05). The activity limitation decreased in all groups after the applications, and it decreased more in the LP and ALP groups compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). The results of the study showed that kinesio taping did not contribute significantly to the level of functional mobility in pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain (p>0.05), but it was effective in reducing the severity of pain at rest and during activity (p<0.05); It showed that ALP and LP taping techniques were not superior to each other (p>0.05). It is recommended that physiotherapists add kinesio tape to their treatment programs to reduce the severity of pain in pregnants with lumbopelvic pain.