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 (
20) and placebo group (
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% (
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 (
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 (
0.018). Taping to the back improved walking speed (immediately and after one week) in both the elastic (
0.001,
0.001) and placebo groups (
0.001,
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.
