Effect of different techniques of kinesio-taping in low back pain during the third trimester of pregnancy in primigravidas: experimental study.

Abstract

Pregnancy related low back pain is a common condition during pregnancy. It is managed with conventional physiotherapy treatment protocols like exercises, use of modalities, manual therapy and various adjunct therapies. Kinesiotaping is also used widely to treat low back pain. There are different techniques of kinesiotaping that are used widely. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of two different techniques of kinesiotaping in pregnancy related low back pain. The outcome measures used were Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Pregnancy Mobility Index (PMI). Forty-five participants were allocated in three groups using random number generator with fifteen in each group-control, Taping Technique 1(TT1) and Taping Technique 2(TT2). Control group was provided with conventional exercises like pelvic tilts, core activation and Kegel’s exercises which were to be done twice a day for a period of five days along with the ergonomic advice. TT1 was given with the spine in neutral using four I bands which were applied vertically and horizontally. Two I bands were applied vertically using fifty percent stretch and inhibition technique from lower iliac crest to upper twelfth rib and two I bands were applied horizontally using space correction technique. TT2 was applied with the spine in lumbar flexion. Three I bands were used with two applied vertically along the paraspinal muscles with fifteen to twenty five percent stretch and the third tape was applied horizontally with hundred percent stretch in middle and no stretch at the ends. In both the techniques exercises were provided along with the taping given for a period of five days. The outcome measures used were NRS and PMI. Pain was evaluated on NRS at baseline, immediate after intervention and post five days of intervention. PMI score was taken at baseline at post five days of intervention. The results showed significant difference in NRS and PMI scores in all the three groups post five days of intervention but TT1 showed significantly superior difference as compared to other groups. The study thus concluded that TT1 is effective in reducing the pregnancy related low back and it is a better technique of taping as compared to TT2.