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

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common problem in pregnant woman. Elastic tape is an alternative method that may reduce low back pain. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of elastic tape to placebo tape in the treatment of low back pain in pregnant women. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Elastic tape reduced back pain and improved physical function in pregnant women compared to the placebo tape.