Kinesio Taping reduces pain and improves disability in low back pain patients: a randomised controlled trial

Prognostic Factors in Patients Undergoing Physiotherapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Level I Systematic Review

Background: Low back pain is common. For patients with mechanic or non-specific chronic LBP (cLBP), the current guidelines suggest conservative, nonpharmacologic treatment as a first-line treatment. Among the available strategies, physiotherapy represents a common option offered to patients presenting with cLBP. The present systematic review investigates the prognostic factors of patients with mechanic or non-specific cLBP undergoing physiotherapy. Methods: In September 2024, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the efficacy of a physiotherapy programme in patients with LBP were accessed. All studies evaluating non-specific or mechanical LBP were included. Data concerning the following PROMs were collected: the pain scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A multiple linear model regression analysis was conducted using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. Results: Data from 2773 patients were retrieved. The mean length of symptoms before the treatment was 61.2 months. Conclusions: Age and BMI might exert a limited influence on the outcomes of the physiotherapeutic management of cLBP. Pain and disability at baseline might represent important predictors of health-related quality of life at the six-month follow-up. Further studies on a larger population with a longer follow-up are required to validate these results.

The Effect of Kinesio Tape Application on Clinical Parameters in Postmenopausal Women With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background With rising life expectancy, women are expected to spend a third of their lives in the postmenopausal stage. Consequently, focusing research on postmenopausal women is considered crucial. Objective This study was conducted to determine the effects of kinesiotaping (KT) and sham KT applied with exercise programs on clinical parameters such as pain, sleep, and quality of life in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain. Methods A randomized controlled experimental design, characteristic of quantitative research, was utilized. The subjects consisted of 60 postmenopausal women. The visual analog scale (VAS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used as data collection tools. Results At the end of the eighth week, the mean VAS score of the experimental group was 6.7±1.0, the mean PSQI score was 5.16±1.82, and the mean RMDQ score was 8.83±2.19. In contrast, the mean VAS score of the control group was 7.2±1.5, the mean PSQI score was 6.26±1.74, and the mean RMDQ score was 10.83±3.01. At the end of the eighth week, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of VAS (p=0.128), but there was a significant difference in PSQI (p=0.020) and RMDQ (p=0.005) scales. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the combination of KT and exercise therapy had ameliorative effects on pain severity, dysfunction, and sleep quality in chronic low back pain experienced during the postmenopausal period.

Motor alterations along the kinetic chain in amateur volleyball and handball athletes with shoulder pain: An observational comparative study

Overhead sports overload the shoulder complex due to movement repetition and the great amount of force created during the athletic motion, which may cause adaptations in the shoulder and lead to shoulder pain. However, overhead movements include the kinetic chain, and alterations in some of the structures throughout the kinetic chain may increase stress on the shoulder complex and be associated with shoulder pain.

PURPOSE

To compare kinetic chain components in overhead athletes with and without shoulder pain.

METHODS

Forty-one volleyball and handball athletes (21 with and 20 without shoulder pain) were included and assessed for hip internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM), hip and trunk isometric strength, trunk endurance and neuromuscular control of the lower and upper limbs (Y balance test).

RESULTS

Athletes with shoulder pain showed smaller IR ROM in both hips, lower endurance time for trunk extensors and flexors, decreased reach distance in the anterior and posteromedial direction, as well as a smaller composite score in the Y balance test (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Volleyball and handball athletes with shoulder pain showed changes in ROM throughout the kinetic chain in addition to lower core endurance, and decreased neuromuscular control of lower limbs.

Physiotherapeutic and non-conventional approaches in patients with chronic low-back pain: a level I Bayesian network meta-analysis

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a major cause of disability and healthcare expenditure worldwide. Its prevalence is increasing globally from somatic and psychosocial factors. While non-pharmacological management, and in particular physiotherapy, has been recommended as a first-line treatment for cLBP, it is not clear what type of physiotherapeutic approach is the most effective in terms of pain reduction and function improvement. This analysis is rendered more difficult by the vast number of available therapies and a lack of a widely accepted classification that can effectively highlight the differences in the outcomes of different management options. This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. In January 2024, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the efficacy of physiotherapy programs in patients with cLBP were accessed. Studies reporting on non-specific or mechanical cLPB were included. Data concerning the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data from 12,773 patients were collected. The mean symptom duration was 61.2 ± 51.0 months and the mean follow-up was 4.3 ± 5.9 months. The mean age was 44.5 ± 9.4 years. The mean BMI was 25.8 ± 2.9 kg/m2. The Adapted Physical Exercise group evidenced the lowest pain score, followed by Multidisciplinary and Adapted Training Exercise/Complementary Medicine. The Adapted Physical Exercise group evidenced the lowest RMQ score followed by Therapeutic Exercises and Multidisciplinary. The Multidisciplinary group evidenced the lowest ODI score, followed by Adapted Physical Exercise and Physical Agent modalities. Within the considered physiotherapeutic and non-conventional approaches to manage nonspecific and/or mechanic cLBP, adapted physical exercise, physical agent modalities, and a multidisciplinary approach might represent the most effective strategy to reduce pain and disability.

The relationships between spinal amplitude of movement, pain and disability in low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The role of spinal movement alterations in low back pain (LBP) remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analyses examined the relationships between spinal amplitude of movement, disability and pain intensity in patients with LBP.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Pedro and Web of Science for relevant articles until 14th March 2023. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies Tool. We analysed the relationships between amplitude of movement, disability and pain intensity with standard correlational meta-analyses and meta-analytic structural equation modelling (MASEM) in cross-sectional and longitudinal data.

RESULTS

A total of 106 studies (9001 participants) were included. In cross-sectional data, larger amplitude of movement was associated with lower disability (pooled coefficient: -0.25, 95% confidence interval: [-0.29 to -0.21]; 69/5899 studies/participants) and pain intensity (-0.13, [-0.17 to -0.09]; 74/5806). An increase in amplitude of movement was associated with a decrease in disability (-0.23, [-0.31 to -0.15]; 33/2437) and pain intensity (-0.25, [-0.33 to -0.17]; 38/2172) in longitudinal data. MASEM revealed similar results and, in addition, showed that amplitude of movement had a very small influence on the pain intensity-disability relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed a significant but small association between amplitude of movement and disability or pain intensity. Moreover, they demonstrated a direct association between an increase in amplitude of movement and a decrease in pain intensity or disability, supporting interventions aiming to reduce protective spinal movements in patients with LBP.

SIGNIFICANCE

The large meta-analyses performed in this work revealed an association between reductions in spinal amplitude of movement and increased levels of disability and pain intensity in people with LBP. Moreover, it highlighted that LBP recovery is associated with a reduction in protective motor behaviour (increased amplitude of movement), supporting the inclusion of spinal movement in the biopsychosocial understanding and management of LBP.

The Use of Sensors to Prevent, Predict Transition to Chronic and Personalize Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a highly prevalent condition that implies substantial expenses and affects quality of life in terms of occupational and recreational activities, physical and psychological health, and general well-being. The diagnosis and treatment are challenging processes due to the unknown underlying causes of the condition. Recently, sensors have been included in clinical practice to implement its management. In this review, we furthered knowledge about the potential benefits of sensors such as force platforms, video systems, electromyography, or inertial measure systems in the assessment process of NSLBP. We concluded that sensors could identify specific characteristics of this population like impaired range of movement, decreased stability, or disturbed back muscular activation. Sensors could provide sufferers with earlier diagnosis, prevention strategies to avoid chronic transition, and more efficient treatment approaches. Nevertheless, the review has limitations that need to be considered in the interpretation of results.

Effects of Kinesio Taping method on menstrual pain: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

Current research promotes complementary methods of coping with menstrual pain (MP). Our objective was to examine the effectiveness of the Kinesio Taping (KT) intervention on MP and determine whether KT has therapeutic impact or whether there is presence of placebo. We used crossover design, dividing 30 female participants into KT and placebo KT groups. Every phase included one menstrual cycle. The average age of participants was 23.5 years (ranging from 18 to 39 years). In the assessment, we used VAS, Brief Pain Inventory Scale, and some SF-36 subscales. In KT phase all types of pain (the average MP, the worst experienced MP, the mildest one, and the current MP) were significantly less intense. KT has beneficial effect in reducing MP and its consequences and it is significantly superior to placebo. The order of intervention showed no statistical significance, which also confirms the therapeutic effect of KT.

[Problems and prospects of kinesiotaping use in clinical practice]

Currently the concept of kinesiotaping has become widespread. Kinesiotaping, which was originally implemented in sports medicine, is increasingly used in rehabilitation and various spheres of medicine, such as orthopedics, traumatology, pediatrics, etc. In recent years, the new publications about the kinesiotaping use in neurology and rheumatology have been released, where previously unknown effects, such as improved sensory feedback, have been demonstrated. Great attention is paid to comparative studies of the effects of kinesiotaping and other methods of taping, which have been used for many years. Nevertheless, despite the popularity of this physical therapy and rehabilitation method, the number of scientific studies supporting its use remains insufficient. The effects originally attributed to kinesiotaping are still controversial, and there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting them. It is not reliably determined whether the tape has a tonic or relaxing effect due to the stimulation of the mechanoreceptors and how the taping affects fascial tissue. Its effect on the reduction of pressure in subcutaneous structures, its mechanisms of action on the microcirculatory bloodstream by stimulating exteroceptors and proprioceptors is unclear. The difficulty of kinesiotaping efficacy evaluation consists in the variety of techniques and the necessity to choose the location of the tape applying, its shape, the suitable tension and adhesion time. The article represents the results of the latest scientific researches on the pathogenetic mechanisms of kinesiotaping and efficacy of this technique in various nosologies.

The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation and kinesiology taping on pain, functional disability and depression in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomised trial

Objectives: Low back pain is a common condition that can become chronic, which reduces the life quality of the patient by causing functional disability and depression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) and kinesiology taping (KT) along with conservative treatment in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Patients and methods: A total of 30 patients (22 males, 8 females; mean age IASTM = 37.3 ± 7.1 years, KT = 37.3 ± 6.6 years; range, 30–50 years) with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) were randomised into the IASTM (n = 15) and KT (n = 15) groups. Both the groups underwent conservative treatment that comprised of a hot pack, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and home exercises. The pain level was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, the functional impairment level was assessed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and the level of depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory. The measurements were carried out at the beginning and end of the treatment. Results: The two methods did not have superiority over each other in parameters like pain, functionality and depression (p>0.05). Conclusion: IASTM and KT have therapeutic effects on pain, functionality and depression in patients with CNLBP.

The efficacy of kinesio taping as an adjunct to physical therapy for chronic low back pain for at least two weeks: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND:

Kinesio taping (KT) is a relatively new treatment method for chronic low back pain (CLBP). The effectiveness of KT as an adjunct to physical therapy (PT) for CLBP remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this updated meta-analysis was to critically examine and evaluate the evidence of recent randomized controlled trials regarding the effectiveness of KT as an adjunct to PT for CLBP for at least 2 weeks.

METHODS:

This systematic review and meta-analysis was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Seven electronic databases including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Wanfang Data, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library were searched in September 2020 by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Data analysis was performed with Review Manager Software.

RESULTS:

Twelve randomized controlled trials with a total of 676 patients were included in our study. Mean improvements were significantly higher in the KT+PT group than the PT group for pain score (SMD, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.37–1.08], P < .00001) and disability (SMD, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.42–1.59], P = .0007). Of 12 studies based on the pain score, 7 reported KT+PT patients to have significantly less pain at latest follow-up when compared with PA patients (P < .05). Of 11 studies based on the disability, 8 reported KT+PT patients to have significantly better improvements at latest follow-up when compared with PA patients (P < .05).

CONCLUSION:

Kinesio taping combined with physical therapy provided better therapeutic effects regarding pain reduction and disability improvement compared with physical therapy alone in individuals with chronic low back pain. Limitation: 1. Included studies and sample sizes were small and most studies were with moderate evidence level; 2. several important outcomes such as range of motion and distance walked were lack; 3. heterogeneity among the included studies was unavoidable.

The influence of Kinesio Taping on muscle fatigue in individuals with low back pain: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of different taping techniques on back muscle fatigue in people with low back pain.

METHODS

Sixty women with chronic non-specific low back pain were randomly assigned to four groups of 15 participants each: control (CG), Kinesio Taping (KT) with tension (KTT), KT no tension (KTNT) and Micropore® (MP), which were applied over the erector spinae muscles. The median frequency (MF) fatigue slopes of the longissimus muscle and sustained contraction time during a trunk fatigue test (Ito test), and pain using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) were collected at three time points: pre-treatment, three and ten days after intervention at a university laboratory.

RESULTS

Significant differences were seen in the MF slopes between groups (p= 0.01, η2= 0.20), with the KTT showing a mean difference (MD = 0.31, p= 0.04) and KTNT (MD = 0.28, p= 0.04) compared with CG. Significant reductions in NPRS were seen between time points (p< 0.001, η2= 0.28), with a reduction between pre and 3 days (MD = 1.87, p< 0.001), and pre and 10 days (MD = 1.38, p< 0.001), with KTT and KTNT both showing clinically important changes.

CONCLUSION

KT, with or without tension, has a tendency to reduce back muscle fatigue and reduce pain in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Effect of Posterior Pelvic Tilt Taping on Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Lumbar Lordosis in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain and Hyperlordosis: A Single-Group, Repeated-Measures Trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of posterior pelvic tilt taping (PPTT) on lumbar lordosis, pain, disability, and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain with hyperlordosis.

METHODS

A prospective, single-group, repeated-measures design was conducted with 31 individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (16 men, 15 women) with hyperlordosis (mean ± SD = 59.3° ± 2.9°). Participants' mean age, pain, disability, and lumbar lordosis were, respectively, 35.7 ± 9.9 years, 5.1 ± 1.3, 26.8 ± 11.5, and 59.3° ± 2.9°. The thickness of the abdominal muscles on both sides was measured in the crook lying position by ultrasound imaging. PPTT was performed on both sides. Pain intensity, functional disability, lumbar lordosis angle, and abdominal muscle thickness were measured before PPTT (W0), 1 week after PPTT (W1), and 1 week after PPTT removal (W2).

RESULTS

Analysis revealed significant reductions in lumbar lordosis, pain, and disability, and increased abdominal muscle thickness, at W1 and W2 compared with W0 (P < .001). There were no significant differences in lumbar lordosis or abdominal muscle thickness between W1 and W2.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed in a small group of participants that 1 week of PPTT may improve lumbar lordosis, pain, disability, and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain with hyperlordosis.

Short-term effect of kinesiology taping on pain, functional disability and lumbar proprioception in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a double-blinded, randomized trial

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on lumbar proprioception, pain, and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods

Thirty individuals with nonspecific CLBP participated in this double-blinded, randomized clinical trial from July 2017 to September 2018. The participants were randomized into two groups: KT (n = 15) and placebo group (n = 15). KT was applied with 15–25% tension for 72 h, and placebo taping was used without tension. Lumbar repositioning error was measured by a bubble inclinometer at three different angles (45° and 60° flexion, and 15° extension) in upright standing. Pain and disability were assessed by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. All measurements were recorded at baseline and 3 days after taping.

Results

Pain and disability scores reduced 3 days after taping in the KT group with large effect sizes (p < 0.05). Only the total score of pain was significantly different between the groups 3 days after taping and improved more in the KT group with a large effect size (p < 0.05). However, lumbar repositioning errors were similar between the groups after 3 days (p > 0.05). Also, only constant error of 15° extension showed a moderate correlation with disability (r = 0.39, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

KT can decrease pain and disability scores after 3 days of application. Although placebo taping can reduce pain, the effect of KT is higher than placebo taping. The findings do not support the therapeutic effect of KT and placebo taping as a tool to enhance lumbar proprioception in patients with nonspecific CLBP.

Trial registration

The study prospectively registered on 21.05.2018 at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20090301001722N20.

The immediate and short-term effects of dynamic taping on pain, endurance, disability, mobility and kinesiophobia in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Evidence suggests that the application of Kinesio Tape (KT) on patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is inconclusive. Dynamic tape (DT) is a relatively new treatment technique, which is increasingly being used as an adjunctive method to treat musculoskeletal problems. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the application of DT in individuals with CNLBP. To compare the immediate and short-term effects of DT versus KT and no tape among patients with CNLBP on pain, endurance, disability, mobility, and kinesiophobia. Forty-five patients with CNLBP were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately, and on the third day post-application of tapes. The primary outcomes of pain, endurance, and disability were measured through the visual analog scale (VAS), Biering–Sorensen test, and Oswestry disability index (ODI), respectively. Secondary outcome measures of mobility and kinesiophobia were measured using the modified–modified Schober test and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, respectively. No significant immediate and short-term differences were found between DT and KT in pain, disability, mobility, and kinesiophobia. Improved back extensor endurance was observed for the DT group than KT (p = 0.023) and control group (p = 0.006). The application of DT may result in improvements only in back extensor endurance among individuals with CNLBP. This finding suggests that DT controls the processes that lead to back muscle fatigue.

Taping for conditions of the musculoskeletal system: an evidence map review

Background

Taping is a common treatment modality used by many rehabilitation providers. Several types of tapes and taping methods are used in the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain.

Purpose

To summarize and map the evidence related to taping methods used for various joints and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, and to provide clinicians and researchers with a user-friendly reference with organized evidence tables.

Data sources

The PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, PubMed, and PROSPERO databases were searched from inception through October 31, 2019.

Study selection

Eligible studies were selected by two independent reviewers and included either systematic reviews (SRs) or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and included a musculoskeletal complaint using a clinical outcome measure.

Data extraction

Data was extracted by two investigators independently. Risk of bias and quality were assessed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) for SRs or the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale for RCTs. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019122857).

Data synthesis

Twenty-five musculoskeletal conditions were summarized from forty-one SRs and 127 RCTs. There were 6 SRs and 49 RCTs for spinal conditions. Kinesio tape was the most common type of tape considered. Four evidence tables representing the synthesized SRs and RCTs were produced and organized by body region per condition.

Limitations

Inclusion of only English language studies. Also, the heterogeneous nature of the included studies prevented a meta-analysis.

Conclusions

There is mixed quality evidence of effectiveness for the different types of taping methods for different body regions and conditions. All of the SRs and RCTs found during our search of the taping literature have been organized into a series of appendices. A synthesis of the results have been placed in evidence tables that may serve as a useful guide to clinicians and researchers.

Reduction of Knee Pain in a 45-Year-Old Woman After Pelvic Manipulation and Kinesiology Taping: A Case Report

Objective

The purpose of this case report is to describe the chiropractic management of a patient with knee pain stemming from pelvic imbalance.

Clinical Features

A female patient presented to a chiropractic clinic with ongoing anteromedial knee pain whenever she walks. The patient reported being unable to walk a half mile without her knee feeling like it would "give out."

Intervention and Outcome

The patient received 5 treatments focusing on the pelvic imbalance and reduced muscle strength discovered in the patient's initial evaluation. Chiropractic manipulation of the sacroiliac joint, kinesiology taping, and gluteus medius exercises were administered. The Verbal Rating Scale, muscle strength assessment, and orthopedic evaluation measured the patient's progress. After 5 treatments the Verbal Rating Scale went from 8 to 1 and gluteus medius strength scored 5 of 5.

Conclusion

The patient in this case reported resolution of her knee pain after 5 treatments over the course of 10 days. The patient reported no pain while walking nor while performing other activities of daily living. Although this is one case, correcting pelvic balance via conservative measures resolved the knee pain. Implementing therapy proximal to the complaint may be a viable option for patients with knee pain.

Effects of Double-Taped Kinesio Taping on Pain and Functional Performance due to Muscle Fatigue in Young Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kinesio taping (KT) is widely applied for pain control and rehabilitation in clinical settings. Tape tension is a key factor in the taping method. However, limited evidence exists regarding the reinforced tension effects of KT on functional performance and pain in healthy individuals. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of double-taped Kinesio taping (DTKT) on functional performance and pain caused by muscle fatigue after exercise. A total of 44 healthy male students (mean age, 23.3 ± 2.2 years) were randomly assigned to the following three groups: DTKT, normal-tape Kinesio taping (NTKT), and placebo. The single-hopping (SH) distance, vertical jump height (VJH), and power (VJP) were assessed at baseline. The muscle fatigue protocol was then applied to induce muscle soreness. Outcome measures including subjective pain, SH distance, VJH and VJP were evaluated immediately after the muscle fatigue protocol, and KT was then applied; the measures were then again evaluated immediately and 24 h after KT application. No significant interactions between pain and functional performance were observed (p > 0.05), and there were no significant differences in SH, VJH, and VJP among the groups (p > 0.05). Notably, the DTKT had an immediate effect on the alleviation of pain caused by muscle fatigue. The present findings indicate that DTKT is not superior to NTKT or placebo in terms of pain relief and enhancing functional performance after tape application in healthy male students.

A Comparison of 6 Weeks of Aquatic Exercise and Kinesio Taping in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

CONTEXT

In many societies, although chronic low back pain (LBP) is a significant problem, there is no consensus on the optimal therapeutic intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the impact of aquatic exercise (AE) and kinesio taping (KT) on the pain intensity and functional incapacity in women with chronic nonspecific LBP.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six women with chronic nonspecific LBP (mean [SD]: age = 50.69 [4.187] y) participated.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants randomly assigned to AE (n = 12), KT (n = 12), and nontreatment control (n = 12) groups for 6 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain intensity and functional disability were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention.

RESULTS

Pain intensity decreased more in the AE group than in the KT group (5.9-0.5 cm [91.6% decrease] vs 5.7-2.4 cm [58.1% decrease], respectively; P < .001 for both after Bonferroni post hoc test); the values decreased more in the 2 treatment groups than in the control group (P < .001 for between-group comparisons). Disability decreased more in the AE group (43.2%-18.8% [55.6% decrease]) than the KT group (37.8%-19.3% [48.3% decrease]) (P < .001 for both comparisons), but increased in the control group (38.7%-41.2% [6.5% increase]; P = .045).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest AE and KT treatment methods provide pain intensity and disability improvements in women with chronic nonspecific LBP. Nevertheless, AE was more effective than KT.

Short-Term Effect of Kinesiotaping on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Disability: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a very common and disabling disorder in modern society. The intervention strategies for LBP include drug therapy, surgery, and physical interventions. Recently, kinesiotaping, as a simple and noninvasive treatment, has been used to treat chronic nonspecific LBP, but its effectiveness and true merit remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to summarize the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) and disability.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EmBase were searched from inception to September 1, 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included in the review if they met the following criteria: RCTs published in English; patients (>18 years old) diagnosed with CNLBP (pain duration of > 12 weeks), with or without leg pain; KT as a single treatment or as a part of other forms of physical therapy; outcomes measured included pain intensity and disability.

DATA EXTRACTION

Three independent investigators completed data extraction. Methodological quality was appraised using the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines were applied to assess the confidence of the effect estimates.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Eleven RCT studies involving 785 patients were retained for the meta-analysis.Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model. Compared with the control group， the pooled SMD of pain intensity was significantly reduced (SMD = -0.73; 95% CI = -1.12 to -0.35; GRADE: low) and disability was improved (SMD = -0.51; 95% CI = -0.85 to -0.17; GRADE: low) in the KT group. Subgroup analyses showed that, compared with the control, the I strip of KT significantly reduced pain (SMD = -0.48; GRADE: low) but not disability (SMD = -0.26; GRADE: low). Compared with sham/placebo tape, KT provided significant pain reduction (SMD = -0.84; GRADE: low) and disability improvement (SMD = -0.56; GRADE: low). Moreover, compared with the no-tape group, the KT group also showed pain reduction (SMD = -0.74; GRADE: low) and disability improvement (SMD = -0.65; GRADE: low).

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of the review included a lack of homogeneity, different methodologies and treatment duration of KT application, and relatively small sample sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

There is low-quality evidence that KT has a beneficial role in pain reduction and disability improvement for patients with CNLBP. More high-quality studies are required to confirm the effects of KT on CNLBP.

The Evidence for Common Nonsurgical Modalities in Sports Medicine, Part 1: Kinesio Tape, Sports Massage Therapy, and Acupuncture

There are a number of nonsurgical modalities used by athletes in attempts to improve performance or prevent, treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. A concise review of available evidence on common nonsurgical modalities used today is necessary so that practitioners may appropriately counsel patients.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of the Effects of Kinesio Taping on Postoperative Swelling and Pain after Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on pain and swelling after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion.

Material and Methods

A total of 21 (12 male and 9 female) patients with transverse maxillary deficiency were enrolled in the study. Kinesio taping (KT) was applied unilaterally in each patient, whereby sides of the face with KT application were included into the (a) KT group and the other sides were included into the (b) non-KT group. Changes in facial volume were evaluated on digital images using the 3dMD Face System. Pain scores were assessed at postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 using the visual analog scale (VAS). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Mann Whitney U test were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Swelling was significantly lower in the KT group compared to the non-KT group from T0 to T1 (36.42 [SD 19.71] mm³ vs. 183.84 [SD 49.33] mm³) and was significantly greater in the non-KT group compared to the KT group from T0 to T2 (70.88 [SD 15.73] mm³ vs. 21.46 [SD 13.39] mm³) (P < 0.001 for both). The VAS scores were significantly lower in the KT group compared to the non-KT group at all time points (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The application of kinesio taping after maxillofacial surgery reduced the pain and swelling in the postoperative period. Kinesio taping can be used as an alternative to other methods that are used for the reduction of postoperative complaints.

A Short Overview of the Effects of Kinesio Taping for Postural Spine Curvature Disorders

Spine curvature disorders are very common in the population. Several therapeutic methods have been implemented over time. Kinesio Taping (KT) is a solution that is utilized for several purposes. This narrative review aims to discuss KT methodology as a valid solution for spinal curvature disorders, especially for structured and non-structured spine deviations. The matter is poorly discussed in the current literature. Nevertheless, KT seems to indirectly influence posture and spine curvature disorders through peripheral and central nervous system stimulation, but further investigations are needed to demonstrate these unknown effects clearly. The present review provides a valuable contribution to the existing literature and may represent a starting point and a useful guide for further studies in this field of research.