The effect of kinesio taping on pain, kinesiophobia and life quality in fibromyalgic women

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of kinesio tape on pain, kinesiophobia and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. 45 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia who are average of age 38.47 ± 10.42 years were included in the study. Individuals were randomly divided into 3 groups; kinesio taping, posture exercises and walking (Group 1, n = 15), posture exercises and walking (Group 2, n = 15) and control group (Group 3, n = 15). Individuals quality of life and functional status are assessed with the Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), fear of movement and re-injury are assessed with Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), risk of anxiety and depression are assessed with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), physical activity level is assessed with International Physical Activity Questionnaire (UFAA), Algometer for Pain, VAS, Headache Impact Tests (HIT) and cervical range of motion is assessed with a Universal Goniometer. For 1st group; kinesio taping, posture exercises and walking, for 2nd group; posture exercises and walking are applied. Individuals continued their walking program for 45-60 minutes three times a week for totally 6 weeks. The control group is not included in any program. All evaluations is repeated twice by using pre-test and post-test. When groups are compared at the end of the study, it is seemed that VAS, HIT, Algometre, TKS, FIQ and HAD values is improved before and after the application in the groups 1 and 2 (p <0,05). When the difference values between the groups are examined, HIT, Algometre (trapezius, supraspinatus) UFAA, FIQ, and SF-36physical pain values is better in favor of group 1 (p <0.05). In the group 3, there is no difference in VAS, HIT, Algometre, UFAA, FIQ, TKS values (p> 0,05). At the end of our work, it is found that kinesio taping and walking programs applied to female subjects with fibromyalgia decreases pain, kinesophobia and improve quality of life.