The Additional Effect of Different Taping Applications on Pain, Functionality, and Tissue Temperature in Patients With Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Pain occurs due to the intervertebral disc; ligaments in the region; or degeneration, strain, and sprains in the muscles, neurogenic, inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic problems caused by structures in and around the spine . Low back pain is a serious health problem, with a lifetime prevalence of 84% . According to the American Society of Pain's clinical practice guidelines, low back pain is classified into three categories: nonspecific low back pain, radiculopathy-induced low back pain, and low back pain associated with another specific cause. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for the treatment of low back pain. Before pharmacological treatments, cognitive behavioral therapy, physiotherapy exercise programmes, electrical physical therapy modalities, manual therapy, and psychological therapy are frequently referenced treatment options. Taping is one of the conservative physical therapy methods that is often a preferred treatment in clinics. Rigid (athletic) taping and kinesiological taping are the most preferred taping techniques . Non-elastic taping material is used in the rigid taping application. It is used to position soft tissue and ensure that the tissues come together, are protected from contact, create compression, and prevent local swelling. Studies supporting the sensorimotor and proprioceptive sensory enhancing effects of rigid tape, which provides very good sensory input over the skin, are found in previous studies [7-9]. Unlike rigid tape, kinesio tape can be stretched up to 140% of its resting length due to its structure, which is the approximate stretching capacity of normal skin .

Although there are various studies related to this topic, there is still no consensus on the effectiveness of taping in patients with low back pain who have disc degeneration. The reason for this is that some studies show the positive effect of kinesio taping on the reduction of low back pain, but some cannot show the effect of taping or find any changes . The healing mechanisms of different taping treatments have not been fully clarified. Moreover, local temperature, which is one of the indicators of vascularization and tissue healing, has not been investigated widely. Our study aims to examine the effects of different taping materials and techniques on pain, functionality, and local tissue temperature in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.