Comparison of the effects of different kinesiologic taping techniques in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled double-blind trial

There are many treatment methods available for treatment of chronic low back pain, but there is no single treatment protocol that can be effective for all types of low back pain and in general, several treatment protocols are used in combination. In this study, it was aimed to determine effects of the kinesiological taping method, applied to patients with chronic mechanical low back pain along with physical therapy modalities and exercise therapy, on pain intensity, lumbar range of motion and the degree of disability and to determine what kind of taping technique might be more effective. The study began with 125 patients, the 21st day evaluation was completed with 109 of the patients and the 51st day evaluation was completed with 96 of the patients. Patients were randomized into 4 groups using the block randomization method. All groups have received physical therapy modalities (superficial heating modalitiy-moist heat pack and analgesic electrotherapy-TENS) and exercise therapy for 3 weeks, 5 times a week, 45 minutes per session. In addition to these treatments, sham kinesiological taping was applied to the second group, kinesiology taping was applied to the third group with space correction technique and kinesiology taping was applied to the fourth group with fascia correction technique to the low back region. Kinesiological taping was applied a total of 4 times for 3 weeks, 5 day intervals and left on the body after application. Evaluations were conducted to the patients before treatment, at the end of treatment (21st day), and one month after the end of treatment (51st day). Patients' pain intensity was evaluated by 10 cm Visual Analog Scale as motion, rest and night pain intensities. Patient's lumbar range of motion was measured in centimeters with fingertip-to-floor distance (as anterior, right lateral and left lateral) and modified Schober test. The degree of disabilities of the patients was evaluated by Modifiye Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. The trial was conducted as double-blind. In the VAS scores of 4 groups a decrease on the 21st day and an increase between days 21-51 were detected. However, when compared with the pre-treatment, the VAS scores on the 51st day showed a decrease. When the change in VAS motion scores was evaluated between pre-treatment and the 51st day, VAS score was detected to be lower in all groups in that kinesiological taping was applied. In all groups, a decrease in disability scores on the 21st day and an increase between days 21-51 were detected. However, when the disability scores on the 51st day were compared with the pre-treatment, there was a decrease in all groups and all scores. The decrease in the disability degree evaluated by the Modifiye Oswestry Disability was greater in all groups where kinesiological taping was applied either on the 21st and 51st days. The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire showed that the decrease was greater in the third group with space correction technique on the 21st day whereas the decrease was greater in second (where the sham taping was applied) and third groups on the 51st day compared with the pre-treatment. It was detected that kinesiological taping decreased pain and disability and these effects continued in the short term after the taping was completed. It was concluded that these effects observed were not related to the technique of the kinesiological taping. Kinesiological taping may be effective in chronic low back pain when it is used in combination with other treatment modalities. Key Words: Kinesiological taping, low back pain, physical therapy modalities, exercise therapy, space correction technique, fascia correction technique