Effects of Kinesio Taping for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that seriously affects patients' quality of life (QoL). Clinicians have used Kinesio Taping (KT) in the treatment of CNLBP patients, but evidence is still lacking on the benefits of KT for CNLBP.

The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the currently published randomized controlled trails (RCTs) to determine KT's efficacy for CNLBP patients.

The research team performed a literature search using five major electronic databases-PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and OpenGrey-and included studies form inception to January 2018. The search used the keywords "kinesio tap*", "kinesio*", and "chronic low back pain (CLBP)" or "CNLBP".

The study took place in the 942 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

The research team performed the meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. The team selected studies that used pain intensity and disability as the primary outcome measures, and if the study used other outcomes, they had to be the secondary outcomes.

The systematic review included nine RCTs in the meta-analysis. KT can significantly reduce pain intensity between baseline and immediately postintervention (SMD = -0.47, 95% CI -0.93 to -0.02, P = .04) and between baseline and the short-term follow-up period (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI -0.44 to -0.20, P = .03). However, no significant differences existed between KT's ability to relieve other symptoms of CNLBP-disability, trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), change in status, fear of movement, isometric endurance of the trunk muscles, or extension-when compared to either sham taping or KT as an adjunct to physical therapy.

KT can have immediate and short-term positive effects on reducing pain intensity, but existing evidence doesn't support KT's superiority to other interventions in improving functions for individuals with CNLBP.