NCT07317518

The Effect of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques Applied to Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain on the Thoracolumbar Fascia

The Effect of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques Applied to Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain on the Thoracolumbar Fascia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of functional thoracolumbar fascia kinesiology taping on fascia thickness, pain, and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The study is planned as a randomized controlled trial and will include a total of 30 individuals aged 18-65 years who have been diagnosed with nonspecific mechanical chronic low back pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the Functional Fascial Taping Group will receive kinesiology tape applied to the thoracolumbar fascia using a fascia correction technique, while the Muscle Technique Taping Group will receive traditional muscle taping applied to the paravertebral muscles. Interventions will be performed twice a week for two weeks. Assessments will be performed before and after treatment; pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale, pressure pain threshold will be measured using an algometer, functional disability will be measured using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, and thoracolumbar fascia thickness will be measured using ultrasonography. The findings are expected to contribute to clinical practice by providing evidence-based data on the effectiveness of different kinesiology taping techniques in chronic low back pain.

Detailed description

Non-specific chronic low back pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition associated with recurrent symptoms, functional limitations, and substantial psychosocial burden. Current clinical practice frequently relies on passive treatment approaches, including various taping techniques; however, the specific effects of different kinesio taping methods on fascial structures remain insufficiently explored. In particular, objective evidence regarding changes in thoracolumbar fascia morphology following targeted taping interventions is limited. This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of functional fascial kinesio taping and conventional muscle taping on thoracolumbar fascia thickness, pain perception, and functional disability in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Participants diagnosed with non-specific mechanical chronic low back pain will be randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups. One group will receive functional fascial taping applied according to movement-based pain modulation principles, while the comparison group will receive traditional muscle-oriented kinesio taping. Both interventions will be administered over a short-term treatment period without additional therapeutic modalities to isolate the effects of taping. Outcome assessment will focus on changes in pain intensity, pressure pain sensitivity, functional disability, and thoracolumbar fascial characteristics. Fascial thickness will be evaluated using ultrasonographic imaging to provide an objective measure of tissue-level response. By integrating subjective clinical outcomes with imaging-based assessment, this study seeks to clarify whether taping strategies that target fascial mechanics offer advantages over conventional muscle-focused approaches. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based decision-making in rehabilitation practice by informing clinicians about the potential role of fascia-oriented taping in the management of chronic low back pain, while minimizing redundancy with procedural and technical details documented elsewhere in the study record.

Conditions

• Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Functional Fascial Taping Group	The treatment program for the Functional Fascial Taping Group is as follows: Participants in this group will undergo a targeted fascial correction technique applied to the thoracolumbar fascia. In practice, "I" and "Y" strips cut from 5 cm x 5 m kinesiology tape will be used, and the tapes will be applied to the right and left thoracolumbar fascia with an oscillatory (oscillating) tension in the range of 10-50%. The protocol will be repeated for a total of 2 weeks (4 sessions), twice a week, and the tapes will be replaced at each session. The primary goal is to reduce pain and improve function by directly affecting the biomechanics of the fascial tissue. Patients in the stabilization exercises group will perform cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels with gradually increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to patients level by level by a physical therapist over 6 weeks. Stretching exercises will be performed before each exercise session.
OTHER	Muscle Technique Taping Group	In this group, the more traditional approach of muscle taping will be adopted. The application will be performed using three "I"-shaped strips of tape. The first two strips will be placed completely tension-free (0%) on the paravertebral muscles while the patient is leaning forward and performing a slight rotation. The third tape will be applied transversally with 25% tension, parallel to the ground, over the sacroiliac joints. This protocol will also be applied twice a week for two weeks, with the aim of providing muscle support and increasing stabilization.
OTHER	Damascus Banding Group	The taping applied in this group will not aim to correct any muscles or fascia, will be performed without applying therapeutic tension (0% tension), and will not produce a standard clinical effect. At the end of the study, all participants will be informed that they can access known effective taping approaches upon request.
OTHER	Traditional treatment	Patients in the stabilization exercise group will be given cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels with gradually increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to patients level by level by a physical therapist over 6 weeks. Patients will perform the exercises for a total of 6 weeks. Patients will be asked to perform stretching exercises before each exercise session.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-19
• Primary completion: 2026-05-01
• Completion: 2026-05-15
• First posted: 2026-01-05
• Last updated: 2026-02-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)