Sacroiliac Joint-Stability Versus Paraspinal-Stability Kinesio Taping Combined with Manual Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain in Post-Menopausal Women: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background. Chronic low back pain is more prevalent and disabling in post-menopausal women. Oestrogen withdrawal may compromise sacroiliac joint (SIJ) force closure and lumbar extensor endurance. This study compared two clinically targeted kinesio taping applications.

Objective. To compare SIJ-stability with paraspinal-stability taping, each added to identical manual therapy, in post-menopausal women with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Methods. In this parallel-group randomised controlled trial, 76 post-menopausal women aged 50–60 years with low back pain for ≥3 months were allocated 1:1 using concealed allocation. Outcome assessor and analyst were blinded. Both groups received six weeks of identical manual therapy, motor-control retraining and home exercise, with 2–3 sessions/week. Group A received SIJ/pelvic taping; Group B received longitudinal lumbar-paraspinal taping. Primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); secondary outcomes were Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR), and Biering-Sørensen trunk extensor endurance. Between-group change was analysed with independent t-tests and ANCOVA adjusted for baseline.

Results. All 76 participants completed the trial. Both groups improved in all outcomes (p<0.001). Group A improved more in ODI (between-group difference in change −6.24 points, 95% CI −7.17 to −5.30), NPRS (−1.00, −1.23 to −0.77), and ASLR (−0.50, −0.66 to −0.34), all p<0.001. Group B improved more in trunk extensor endurance (5.92 s, 4.40 to 7.44; p<0.001). ANCOVA and non-parametric sensitivity analyses agreed. Only mild, transient skin irritation was reported.

Conclusion. Both strategies improved outcomes, but the application site was associated with a different pattern of benefit: pelvic taping produced greater gains in disability, pain and load transfer, whereas paraspinal taping produced greater gains in extensor endurance.