Kinesio Taping for Balance and Function in Low Back Pain (KTFB-NSLBP)

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Kinesio Taping on Balance and Functionality in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

This study aims to examine the effects of kinesiology taping on balance and functional ability in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. Nonspecific low back pain is a common condition that is not linked to a specific medical cause and is often associated with balance problems, reduced physical function, and psychological challenges. In this study, 35 patients aged between 18 and 65 were included. One group received kinesiology taping along with physiotherapy, while the other group received only physiotherapy.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Low Back Pain; Balance Disorders
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Kinesiology Taping; Other: Physiotherapy

Detailed Description

Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that cannot be attributed to a specific pathology. It often leads to limitations in functional activities, impaired balance, and psychological distress, such as depressive symptoms. This study investigates the effects of kinesiology taping on balance and functional outcomes in individuals diagnosed with NSLBP.

The study was conducted on 35 participants aged 18 to 65 years. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group received kinesiology taping in combination with physiotherapy, while the control group received only physiotherapy treatment. Various outcome measures were used to assess the effects of the interventions, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, Functional Rating Index (FRI), Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and the Flamingo Balance Test.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 35
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey
  • Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istinye Universyt

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged between 18 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain
• Duration of low back pain longer than 6 weeks
• Ability to attend an outpatient physiotherapy program

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of spinal surgery
• Presence of neurological deficits on physical examination
• Contraindication to kinesiology taping
• Pregnancy
• Cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases that contraindicate exercise
• History of lower extremity surgery

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Kinesiology Taping + Physiotherapy; Participants in this group received kinesiology taping applied to the lumbar region in addition to a physiotherapy program that included therapeutic exercises and modalities tailored for nonspecific low back pain. The intervention aimed to improve balance, reduce pain, and enhance functional outcomes.	Device: Kinesiology Taping; Kinesiology taping was applied to the lumbar area of the participants in the intervention group. The taping aimed to improve posture, reduce pain, and enhance balance and functional performance.; Other: Physiotherapy; The physiotherapy program included therapeutic exercises and physical modalities (such as stretching, strengthening, and posture training) tailored for individuals with nonspecific low back pain.
Active Comparator: Physiotherapy Only; Participants in this group received only the physiotherapy program, which included therapeutic exercises and modalities commonly used in the treatment of nonspecific low back pain. No kinesiology taping was applied in this group.	Other: Physiotherapy; The physiotherapy program included therapeutic exercises and physical modalities (such as stretching, strengthening, and posture training) tailored for individuals with nonspecific low back pain.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Functional Rating Index (FRI) score	Functional status was assessed using the Functional Rating Index (FRI) to evaluate the level of functional disability related to nonspecific low back pain. A decrease in the score indicates improved functional status.	Baseline (Day 1)": Initial assessment (Day 1 of the study) "3 weeks post-intervention": Second assessment, 3 weeks after the intervention (after the treatment program)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain	Pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale. A decrease in score indicates reduced pain severity.	Baseline (Day 1)": Initial assessment (Day 1 of the study) "3 weeks post-intervention": Second assessment, 3 weeks after the intervention (after the treatment program)
Change in Flamingo Balance Test (FBT) score	Balance was assessed using the Flamingo Balance Test. Improved performance indicates better postural control and balance.	Baseline (Day 1)": Initial assessment (Day 1 of the study) "3 weeks post-intervention": Second assessment, 3 weeks after the intervention (after the treatment program)
Change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score	Psychological status was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. A decrease in score reflects improved mood and reduced depressive symptoms.	Baseline (Day 1)": Initial assessment (Day 1 of the study) "3 weeks post-intervention": Second assessment, 3 weeks after the intervention (after the treatment program)
Change in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score	Disability level related to low back pain was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index. A decrease in score reflects improved functional ability.	Baseline (Day 1)": Initial assessment (Day 1 of the study) "3 weeks post-intervention": Second assessment, 3 weeks after the intervention (after the treatment program)
Change in Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) score	Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Nottingham Health Profile. A decrease in score indicates better quality of life.	Baseline (Day 1)": Initial assessment (Day 1 of the study) "3 weeks post-intervention": Second assessment, 3 weeks after the intervention (after the treatment program)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Elif Dilara Durmaz

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): April 20, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): June 15, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): June 20, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 19, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 20, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): April 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 26, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 24, 2025
• Last Verified: June 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Physiotherapy; Kinesiology Taping; Nonspecific Low Back Pain
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Back Pain; Low Back Pain
• Other Study ID Numbers: ISU_NSLBP_KT_2025

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No