Effects of elastic tape in pregnant women with low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Low back pain is a common problem in pregnant woman. Elastic tape is an alternative method that may reduce low back pain. To compare the effect of elastic tape to placebo tape in the treatment of low back pain in pregnant women. Forty pregnant women were allocated into two groups: elastic group (n= 20) and placebo group (n= 20). All participants were taped by either stretched (elastic group) or non-stretched (placebo group) Kinesio tape at the lower back area for one week. After the application of stretched elastic tape, lower back pain was significantly reduced by 29.4% (p= 0.003) immediately post-taping and by a further 75.4% after wearing the tape for a week. Compared to the placebo group, lower back pain was significantly reduced in the elastic group after one week of wearing the tape (p< 0.001). Compared to placebo, the application of elastic tape significantly reduced the disability score (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) after one week of wearing the tape (p= 0.018). Taping to the back improved walking speed (immediately and after one week) in both the elastic (p< 0.001, p< 0.001) and placebo groups (p< 0.001, p= 0.001); however, the application of either tape had little effect on posture change. Elastic tape reduced back pain and improved physical function in pregnant women compared to the placebo tape.