Efficacy of kinesio tape added to lumbar stabilization exercises on adult patients with mechanical low back pain: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial

Background: Lumbar stabilization exercises (LSEs) are beneficial for chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP). However, further research focusing on intervention combinations is recommended. This study examined the effect of kinesio tape (KT) with LSEs on CMLBP adult patients. Methods: A randomized blinded clinical trial was conducted. Fifty CMLBP patients of both genders were assigned into one of two groups and received 8 weeks of treatment: group A (control): LSEs only, and group B (experimental): KT with LSEs. The primary outcome was back disability, measured by the Oswestry disability index. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, trunk extensor endurance, and sagittal spinal alignment, as indicated by the visual analog scale, Sorensen-test, and C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis, respectively. The reported data was analyzed by a two-way MANOVA using an intention-to-treat procedure. Results: Multivariate tests indicate statistically significant effects for group (F = 4.42, p = 0.005, partial eta 2 = 0.148), time (F = 219.55, p < 0.001, partial eta 2 = 0.904), and group-by-time interaction (F = 3.21, p = 0.01, partial eta 2 = 0.149). Univariate comparisons between groups revealed significant reductions in the experimental group regarding disability (p = 0.029, partial eta 2 = 0.049) and pain (p = 0.001, partial eta 2 = 0.102) without a significant difference in the Sorensen test (p = 0.281) or C7-S1 SVA (p = 0.491) results. All within-group comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The combination of KT and LSEs is an effective CMLBP treatment option. Although patients in both groups displayed significant changes in all outcomes, the combined interventions induced more significant reductions in back disability and pain intensity.