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Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of Kinesio taping (KT), with or without tension (Placebo), and post-isometric muscle relaxation (PIR) on pain intensity and the mechanical properties of myofascial tissues in chronic low back pain (LBP) patients.

Material and Methods: Study participants (n=64; females, n=34; males, n=30; mean age 41.9 years), were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 intervention groups. The numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain intensity at rest, the Oswestry Disability Index was used to estimate the level of disability, and the MyotonPRO© device was used to measure tension, stiffness, and relaxation in the erector spinae on both sides of the lumbar spine. The examinations were performed before the intervention, after interventions, and at 7-day follow-up (RCT Id: ACTRN12624000121561).

Results: Pain and level of disability were reduced for all groups (P<0.01). In addition, post hoc analysis of the KT group showed significant increases in tension and stiffness of the erector spinae and significantly decreased relaxation between the pre-intervention and follow-up measurements, but only on the contralateral side (P<0.01).

Conclusions: KT with or without tape tension and PIR had similar effects in decreasing the level of resting pain and disability. Pain reduction was not related to changes in the mechanical properties of the soft tissue. It can be concluded that the KT with or without tape tension or PIR were mainly analgesic effects, and should be used as a combined therapy in LBP patients.

Keywords: athletic tape, biomechanical phenomena, complementary therapies, low back pain

KT with or without tape tension or PIR had similar effects in decreasing the level of resting pain and disability, although there were no intergroup differences in the numerical pain scale, the ODI, or selected mechanical properties of the paravertebral tissues. Pain reduction was not related to changes in the mechanical properties of the soft tissue. The pain reduction occurred immediately after the intervention, indicating that the applied stimulus reflexively inhibited the pain information traveling to the central nervous system. It can be concluded that the KT with or without tape tension or PIR were mainly analgesic effects, and should be used as a combined therapy in LBP patients. The methods of KT application (tension, time, movement, region) may need to be modified to achieve results that warrant their use.