Medium term effects of kinesio taping in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Kinesio taping is a commonly used intervention for patients with chronic low back pain. However, the medium term effects of kinesio taping in these patients are unknown. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of kinesio taping in patients with chronic low back pain after 6 months from randomization. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial with a 6 months follow up. One hundred and forty eight participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (kinesio taping with skin convolutions) or control (kinesio taping without convolutions—Sham Taping) group. Participants from both groups had the tape reapplied twice a week for four weeks. The outcomes were pain, disability and global impression of recovery after 6 months. Results: One participant was lost to follow up in the experimental group (n = 73, response rate 99%) and two in the control group (n = 72, response rate 97%). After 6 months there were no statistically significant between-group differences in pain intensity (between-group difference −0.8 points, 95% CI −1.7 to 0.2), global impression of recovery (0.4, −0.7 to 1.5), or disability (−1.1, −3.0 to 0.7). Conclusion: Four weeks of kinesio taping treatment was no better than sham taping for patients with chronic low back pain, at 6 months follow-up. Trial Registration Number (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/): RBR-7ggfkv (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials)