Immediate and Short-Term Effects of Kinesio Taping Tightness in Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Kinesiotape effectiveness in mechanical low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder work-related health problem in Europe, affecting millions of workers. It is estimated that 60–80% of the population will suffer at least one episode of mechanical LBP during their life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the kinesiotape (KT) effectiveness in mechanical LBP. METHODS: This was a double blinded, randomized-controlled clinical trial. Twenty-eight nursing and cleaning auxiliaries from Salamanca received a manual therapy program and a bandage of KT or false kinesiotape (FKT). They received two sessions a week for three weeks and a follow-up one month after the last session. Pain, range of motion and function were measured at baseline, at the end of each session and a month after the last session. RESULTS: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and LBP are responsible for a high prevalence of sick-leave and absenteeism. Manual therapy and KT has demonstrated to reduce pain and to increase range of motion and function being effective in this population. There are statistically significant results in both groups in all measurements for all variables. KT seems to be superior, however, both have a positive effect on LBP. Although benefits decrease, long-term treatments focusing on pain alleviation and functional recovery is needed to maintain the benefits achieved. CONCLUSION: KT was an effective complement for this treatment. Although both show improvements, KT is recommended. Future studies are needed to demonstrate KT properties, to establish a treatment protocol to prevent chronic LBP and to avoid sick leave and absenteeism.

Neuromuscular taping for chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized single-blind controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Low-back pain is a worldwide pain syndrome causing important limitations to daily activity. Common treatment guidelines recommend drugs and exercise.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of a standardized NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) lumbar application in reducing pain and improving function associated with back-school therapy (BST).

METHODS

Single-blind randomized controlled trial. The experimental group was treated with BTS followed by three applications of NMT over 8 days and the control group who underwent only BST. All patients were evaluated before and at the end of treatment, after 4 and 8 weeks from the end of BST and with a follow-up at distance of three months from the last evaluation, with pain numeric scale, Oswestry disability index and Schober test.

RESULTS

Significant pain reduction and functional improvement have been observed in the follow-up evaluations in the experimental group.

CONCLUSION

Association of a standardized NMT application to BTS was seen to significantly improve function and reduce pain with longer time efficacy.

Systematic Review of Lumbar Elastic Tape on Trunk Mobility: A Debatable Issue

Objectives

To systematically review the literature to analyze the effect of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility, surpassing the minimal detectable change of the used outcome measurement tool, and to analyze the additional effect of applied tension and direction of elastic tape application in low back pain and participants without low back pain.

Data Sources

Four databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar.

Study Selection

The inclusion criteria were randomized and clinical controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility.

Data Extraction

Two researchers executed the search and a third author was consulted to resolve disagreements. The methodological quality was scored using the PEDro scale, with studies scoring ≤5 being excluded.

Data Synthesis

Eight out of 6799 studies were included; 5 studied individuals with low back pain, and 3 studied participants without low back pain. Two studies scored low on the PEDro scale and were excluded. None of the reported significant changes in trunk mobility due to elastic tape application exceeded the indicated minimal detectable change. No conclusions can be drawn from the direction and applied tension of elastic tape application.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this systematic review, there is no evidence supporting the effect of lumbar elastic tape application. We recommend consensus in the use of more reliable and valid instruments in future studies.

Kinesiology Tape: A Descriptive Survey of Healthcare Professionals in the United States

BACKGROUND

The existing body of kinesiology tape (KT) research reveals inconsistent results which challenges the efficacy of the intervention. Understanding professional beliefs and KT clinical application might provide insight for future research and development of evidence-based guidelines.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to survey and document the beliefs and clinical application methods of KT among healthcare professionals in the United States.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey study.

METHODS

A 30-question online survey was emailed to members of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Professionals were also informed through a recruitment post in different private healthcare Facebook groups.

RESULTS

One thousand and eighty-three respondents completed the survey. Most respondents used KT for post-injury treatment (74%), pain modulation (67%), and neuro-sensory feedback (60%). Most believed that KT stimulates skin mechanoreceptors (77%), improve local circulation (69%), and modulates pain (60%). Some respondents believed KT only created a placebo effect (40%) and use it for such therapeutic purposes (58%). Most used a standard uncut roll (67%) in black (71%) or beige (66%). Most respondents did not use any specialty pre-cut tape (83%), infused tape (99.54%), or a topical analgesic with tape (65%). The most common tape tension lengths used by respondents were 50% tension (47%) and 25% (25%) tension. Patient reported outcomes (80%) were the most common clinical measures. Most respondents provided skin prep (64%) and tape removal (77%) instructions. Some did not provide any skin prep (36%) or tape removal (23%) instruction. The average recommended times to wear KT were two to three days (60%). The maximum times ranged from two to five days (81%).

CONCLUSION

This survey provides insight into how professionals use KT and highlights the gap between research and practice. Future research should address these gaps to better determine evidence-based guidelines.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

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.

Acute effects of kinesiology tape tension on soleus muscle h-reflex modulations during lying and standing postures

Kinesiology tape (KT) has been widely used in the areas of sports and rehabilitation. However, there is no gold standard for the tape tension used during a KT application. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KT application with different tension intensities on soleus muscle Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation during lying and standing postures. Fifteen healthy university students were tested with 3 tape tension intensities during separate visits with a randomized sequence: tape-on no tension (0KT), moderate (about 50% of the maximal tape tension: (ModKT), and maximal tape tension (MaxKT). During each experimental visit, the H-reflex measurements on the soleus muscle were taken before, during, and after the KT application for both lying and standing postures. The H-wave and M-wave recruitment curves were generated using surface electromyography (EMG). There was a main effect for posture (p = 0.001) for the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-wave and M-wave (H_max/M_max) ratio, showing the depressed H_max/M_max ratio during standing, when compared to the lying posture. Even though the tension factor had a large effect (η_p² = 0.165), different tape tensions showed no significant differential effects for the H_max/M_max ratio. The spinal motoneuron excitability was not altered, even during the maximal tension KT application on the soleus muscle. Thus, the tension used during a KT application should not be a concern in terms of modulating the sensorimotor activity ascribed to elastic taping during lying and standing postures.

Effects of kinesiotape on pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the effects of kinesiotape on pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for English language publications from inception to 13 February 2018.

REVIEW METHODS:

This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018089831). Our key search terms were ((kinesio taping) OR (kinesiotaping) OR (kinesiotape)) AND (low back pain). Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of kinesiotape published in English language were included in this review. The reference lists of retrieved studies and relevant reviews were also searched. Quality of the included trials was assessed according to 2015 updated Cochrane Back and Neck Review Group 13-Item criteria.

RESULTS:

A total of 10 articles were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 627 participants were involved, with 317 in the kinesiotape group and 310 in the control group. The effects of kinesiotape on pain and disability were explored. While kinesiotape was not superior to placebo taping in pain reduction, either alone ( P = 0.07) or in conjunction with physical therapy ( P = 0.08), it could significantly improve disability when compared to the placebo taping ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Since kinesiotape is convenient for application, it could be used for individuals with chronic low back pain in some cases, especially when the patients could not get other physical therapy.

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.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Assessment of Acute Effects of Kinesio Taping on Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles

BACKGROUND

Kinesio tape (KT) is an elastic therapeutic tape used for treating sports-related injuries and a number of other disorders. To date, the objective evidence to link pathophysiological effects and actual reactions triggered by KT is limited.

PURPOSE

To explore the effect of KT on the lumbar paraspinal muscles by magnetic resonance (MR) elastography.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective observational study.

POPULATION

Sixty-six asymptomatic volunteers with 31 women and 35 men.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0T MRI and elastography with vibration frequency of 120 Hz.

ASSESSMENT

The 5-cm-width KT with full tension was placed on a single side of the lumbar paraspinal muscle. The taping side and adhering direction were randomly decided. Two rectangular regions of interest (ROIs) of 5- and 2.5-cm-width were positioned at the bilateral paraspinal regions from the L2 to L4 level on the confidence map of MR elastography before and after KT taping. The mean shear stiffness values of the ROIs at the superficial, middle, and deep depths were recorded; then the differences between the taping and reference sides were calculated.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Paired t-test and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate the stiffness changes after KT application and intraoperator errors of the stiffness measures on the reference side, respectively.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in the muscle stiffness value between taping and reference sides (-0.71 kPa ± 0.60 with KT and -0.25 kPa ± 0.78 without KT, P < 0.0001 for 5-cm ROI; -0.67 kPa ± 1.12 with KT and -0.16 kPa ± 1.17 without KT, P = 0.0004 for 2.5-cm ROI) was found in the superficial depth, but no significant differences in the middle and deep depths (P = 0.25 and P = 0.79 for 5-cm ROI; P = 0.09 and P = 0.67 for 2.5-cm ROI, respectively). There were no significant differences of muscle stiffness differences between gender (P = 0.11 for superficial, P = 0.37 for middle, P = 0.78 for deep) and taping direction (P = 0.18 for superficial, P = 0.13 for middle, P = 0.15 for deep).

DATA CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that KT can reduce the MR elastography-derived shear stiffness in the superficial depth of paraspinal muscles.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1039-1045.