Effect of repeated application of rigid tape on pain and mobility deficits associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) accounts for up to 30% of patients with low back pain. Rigid taping techniques are often used for conservative treatment of SIJD related symptoms; however, its effectiveness has not been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of rigid tape on pain, malalignment and mobility deficits associated with anterior innominate SIJD. METHODS: Two groups (n = 37; experimental and control) diagnosed with SIJD participated in a randomized, controlled trial. Tape was applied for 2 weeks in the experimental group, whereas the control group received no treatment. 2 x 2 (group x time) GLM-MANOVA assessed effects of tape on pain; innominate rotation; and hip rotation range of motion. Chi-square and McNemar tests assessed the effect of tape on Gillet and Sitting forward flexion mobility tests; the Patrick, Posterior shear and Gaenslen pain provocation tests were used to test pain. Variables were assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) two weeks. RESULTS: No group differences were observed for any variable PRE. Pain intensity, innominate rotation (p < 0.05) and number of positive mobility and pain provocation tests (p < 0.05) decreased from PRE versus POST in the experimental group. No differences were observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: Two weeks of rigid tape for anterior innominate correction successfully reduced symptoms related to SIJD.