Short-Term Effects of Kinesio Taping(R) on Electromyographic Characteristics of Paraspinal Muscles, Pain, and Disability in Patients With Lumbar Disk Herniation

The authors randomized 38 patients with chronic lower back pain secondary to lumbar disk herniation to a seven-day course of Kinesio-Taping (R) (KT) or placebo taping (PT). Primary outcomes were electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lumbar multifidus and thoracic longissimus muscles. These were measured through flexion- and extension-relaxation ratios (FRRs and ERRs respectively). Secondary outcomes included active trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), pain pressure thresholds (PPT) at L1, L3, and L5 bilaterally, the Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale (QVAS), and the Roland-Morris Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). They found no significant difference between the KT and PT groups on any outcome measure.