Different kinesio taping methods for chronic low back pain targeting 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

Researchers will try two kinesio taping methods—fascia-directed taping versus traditional muscle taping—in adults 18–65 with nonspecific chronic low back pain to see if one reduces pain, changes fascia thickness, and improves function.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Center, Kirşehi̇r)
• Trial ID: NCT07317518 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 30 adults aged 18–65 with nonspecific mechanical chronic low back pain and randomly assign them to either functional fascial kinesio taping or traditional muscle taping. Interventions are applied twice weekly for two weeks without other concurrent therapies to isolate tape effects. Outcomes include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), pressure pain threshold measured by algometer, functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and thoracolumbar fascia thickness measured by ultrasound, assessed before and after treatment. The design focuses on short-term changes in symptoms and objective fascial morphology between the two taping approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 with nonspecific mechanical chronic low back pain (pain between the lowest rib and gluteal folds lasting more than 6 weeks or recurrent episodes) who can attend twice-weekly sessions and have no specific spinal pathology are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with clear structural spine problems (e.g., herniation, stenosis, spondylolisthesis), recent major back trauma, systemic diseases like uncontrolled diabetes or rheumatologic conditions, or a history of cancer likely will not benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a low-cost, non-invasive way to reduce pain and improve function by specifically targeting the thoracolumbar fascia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials of kinesio taping show mixed, mostly short-term pain relief and inconsistent functional benefits, while fascia-targeted taping with objective measures of fascia thickness remains relatively novel and sparsely studied.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: Be between 18 and 65 years old.
* Volunteer status: Be willing to participate in the study and sign an informed consent form.
* Diagnosis: Have been diagnosed by a physician with nonspecific mechanical chronic low back pain. This diagnosis is defined as follows:
* A pain episode lasting longer than 6 weeks or
* A history of recurrent low back pain (episodes lasting longer than 24 hours with at least one pain-free period of one month before/after the episode).
* Localization: Pain localized between the lowest rib and the gluteal folds.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Specific Spinal Pathologies: The presence of a specific cause for back pain (e.g., structural abnormalities such as herniation, stenosis, spondylolisthesis).
* History of Major Trauma: A history of serious trauma to the back region.
* Systemic Diseases: Systemic diseases that may affect the outcome, such as rheumatological diseases or diabetes.
* History of Cancer: Any cancer diagnosis or history.
* Osteoporosis: Diagnosis of bone loss.
* Inflammatory or Neurological Diseases: Diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or a neurological disease.
* Radicular Pain: Presence of radicular pain radiating to the legs, suggesting nerve root compression.

Skin Conditions:

* Known skin sensitivity or allergy to the patches.
* Active dermatitis or pre-existing skin lesion in the patch application area.
* Recent Treatments: Having undergone a physical therapy and rehabilitation (PTR) program targeting the lumbar region or an intervention such as an injection within the last 3 months prior to the start of the study.

Where this trial is running

Center, Kirşehi̇r

• Kirşehir Ahi Evran Univercity — Center, Kirşehi̇r, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Şafak KUZU, PhD

Conditions Low Back Pain; Non-specific chronic low back pain; Kinesio taping; Thoracolumbar fascia