Effects of Kinesio Taping on postural balance in patients with low back pain, a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: to identify postural balance changes in subjects with low back pain after the application of Kinesio Taping, which is then compared to a no treatment control group, using baropodometric evaluation. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was carried out on 50 individuals (both sexes) with chronic low back pain. They were then randomized into two groups: an experimental group - EG (treated with Kinesio Taping in the lumbar region) and a control group - CG (no intervention). Both groups underwent a baropodometric evaluation (mean plantar pressure, peak plantar pressure, plantar surface, mass distribution on right foot and left foot, mass distribution on forefoot and rear foot and base width) at four different moments: pre-intervention, 10 minutes, 48 hours, and 10 days after the intervention on the EG. The level of statistical significance was established at 5%. Results: Significant changes were observed in the EG compared to the CG. In the EG, peak pressure reduced on both right and left foot after Kinesio Taping application; the right base width was reduced, and the mass distribution between the forefoot and the rear foot normalized towards the ideal 50% distribution. These changes happened 48 hours after the Kinesio Taping application, with effects lasting up to 10 days. Conclusion: The use of Kinesio Taping in the lumbar region of subjects with chronic low back pain improved postural balance. This is proved by changes in peak plantar pressure, plantar surface, and mass distribution 48 h after Kinesio Taping application, with effects lasting up to 10 days. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.