Yilan Sheng, Zhouying Duan, Qiang Qu, Wenhua Chen, Bo Yu
Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 100, Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2605

Objective: To compare the efficacy of kinesio taping on chronic non-specific low back pain with that of other general physical therapies.
Methods: Relevant studies published up to 31 July 2018 were searched in electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, Vip Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure). The quality of included studies was assessed using a risk of bias assessment tool, as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Data from visual analogue scales and Oswestry Disability Index were extracted as selected outcome indicators. Tests of heterogeneity were performed. Weight-ed mean difference (WMD) data with its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used as a measure of effect sizes, in order to pool the results from each included study using either a fixed or random effects model (where appropriate and possible).
Results: Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of included studies was moderate. Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain in the kinesio taping group achieved better pain relief (WMD = –1. 22; 95% CI –1. 49 to –0. 96, I2 = 91%, p < 0. 00001) and activities of daily living (WMD = –7. 11; 95% CI –8. 70 to –5. 51, I2 = 77%, p < 0. 0001) than those in the control group.
Conclusion: Kinesio taping may be a new, simple and convenient choice for intervention in low back pain. In the future, we can measure the efficacy about kinesio taping via clinical application in order to prove the possibility of treatment for low back pain.

Low back pain can be treated with a variety of approaches, as described in clinical practice guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of kinesio taping for pain release and functional improvement in people with chronic low back pain. Significant pain relief was achieved in patients with low back pain with kinesio taping treatment, and taping was superior to physical therapies, with improvement in functional movement. Kinesio taping may be a new, simple and convenient choice for intervention in low back pain.

Commentary on: Kinesio taping in treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis