Effectiveness of kinesio tape in people with low back pain. A systematic review with meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition. Kinesio Tape (KT) has been proposed as a non-pharmacological treatment, but its effectiveness remains unclear.
Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA. Searches were performed in MEDLINE-Ovid, Embase-Ovid, PEDro, CENTRAL, CINAHL, LILACS, and Scopus up to January 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating KT in individuals with LBP were included. The primary outcomes were functionality and pain intensity, and the secondary outcomes were range of motion and adverse events.
Results: Fifty-four RCTs involving 3479 participants were included. In acute LBP, KT improved functionality by 14.95% (95% CI: -31.40 to 1.50) compared with no intervention on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). In chronic LBP, KT improved functionality by 11.9% (95% CI -18.07 to -5.73) compared to no intervention, and 2.31% (95% CI -5.83 to -1.22) versus placebo, both on ODI, and 0.97 points in the Roland-Morris Questionnaire (95% CI -2.45 to 0.51) versus Micropore®. Physiotherapy improved 5.44% (95% CI -0.76 to 10.12) more than KT on ODI. In pregnant women, KT improved functionality by 1.45 points (95% CI -2.97 to 0.07) versus placebo and by 2.19 points (95% CI -4.35 to -0.03) versus no intervention on the Roland-Morris Questionnaire. In irradiated LBP, KT showed no benefit over placebo. For pain on the Visual Analog Scale, KT in acute LBP reduced pain intensity by 1.61 cm (95% CI:…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,479 participants or records.
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