The effect of home exercises with kinesiotaping on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers with non-specific neck pain

Hakan Zengi ¹, Elif Esma Safran ², Ömer Şevgin ³

⁰Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation +

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June 29, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Kinesio taping (KT) offers benefits for bus drivers with neck pain when combined with exercise. However, it showed no additional advantage over exercise alone for pain, function, or work performance improvements.

Area Of Science

Occupational Health
Rehabilitation Medicine
Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background

Clinical research on managing work-related upper spinal pain in bus drivers is limited.
There is a growing need for innovative rehabilitation strategies for this population.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers with neck pain.

Main Methods

44 bus drivers with neck pain were randomized into an exercise group (n=22) or a kinesio tape (KT) group (n=22).
Both groups underwent 6 weeks of exercise interventions.
Evaluations included range of motion (ROM), pain, disability, and work functionality before and after treatment.

Main Results

Neck pain severity and disability scores improved significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between them.
Improvements in neck extension range of motion were noted in the KT group compared to the exercise group.
All aspects of job performance improved significantly in both groups.

Conclusions

Kinesio taping (KT), when added to ergonomic training and home exercise, can help manage work-related musculoskeletal pain in bus drivers.
However, KT did not provide superior outcomes compared to exercise therapy alone for pain control, functionality, or work performance.

Keywords:

Ergonomics muscle stretching exercises occupational diseases