Kinesiology taping, applied during acute period, effect for lower back pain and function in comparison with placebo

Problem of the research: the prevalence of lower back pain among working age people is increasing rapidly, untreated acute lower back pain can become chronic and difficult to treat. Hypothesis: In our opinion, the kinesiology taping, applied during the acute period of the lower back pain, should be significantly more effective for pain relief and function improvement than placebo. Aim of the research: To evaluate the effect of kinesiologic taping, applied during acute period, for lower back pain and function in comparison with placebo. Objectives of study: 1. To evaluate the kinesiology taping effect for pain intensity and compare with placebo; 2. To evaluate the kinesiology taping effect for pain – related functional condition and compare with placebo; 3. To determine the effect of kinesiology taping on the angle of the straight leg raise till pain and compare with placebo; 4. To determine the effect of kinesiology taping on the range of lumbar active motions and compare with placebo. Methods of study: The study involved 62 subjects who were randomized to a kinesiology taping group – 31 subjects and a placebo taping group – 31 subjects. The criteria for selection of patients were: age 25 – 55 years, without spinal surgery, acute episodes of back pain, sensible pain region from 12th rib to buttock wrinkle (with or without leg pain), duration of pain for up to 6 weeks, not using analgesics. The following methods were used in the study: assessment of lower back pain intensity using visual analogue scale (VAS); the pain – related functional status was evaluated using Roland Morris questionnaire; Lasegue straight leg raise test was evaluated using goniometer; range of lumbar active motions (bending, laying, bending to side) was evaluated using inclinometer. The evaluation was carried out in two stages, before and after 5 days of the tape application. Conslusions: 1. Both kinesiology taping and placebo taping significantly reduced the intensity of the lower back pain. 2. Kinesiology taping significantly improved the pain – related patients functional state. Placebo taping is not effective for the pain – related patients functional condition. 3. Both kinesiology taping and placebo taping did not significantly improve the straight leg raise angle. 4. Kinesiology taping is significantly more effective than placebo in increasing the lumbar active range of motion amplitude