Optimal days of application of kinesiotaping for the treatment of lumbo-pelvic pain during pregnancy. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

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ObjectiveTo determine the optimal dose and short-term effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) on pain intensity and disability in pregnant women with lumbo-pelvic pain. Data sourcesMEDLINE (via PubMed Central), CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 21st March 2023. Study selectionWe included randomized controlled trials (RCT) conducted on pregnant women with lumbo-pelvic pain treated with KT. Data extractionThe outcomes included pain intensity and disability. ROB-2 and GRADE were used to assess the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence, respectively. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The dose-response association was evaluated using a restricted cubic spline model. Data synthesisSeven RCTs involving 527 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant effect in favor of KT on pain intensity (SMD = −1.71; 95% CI = −2.51 to −0.90; P = <0.001) and on disability (SMD = −1.15; 95% CI = −2.29 to −0.02; P = <0.001). The total duration of KT use ranged from 5 to 35 days. It was estimated that a dose of 5–10 days exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pain intensity (mean difference at 10 days = −2.63; 95% CI = −3.05 to −2.22). Low certainty of evidence was identified for both outcomes. ConclusionsIn pregnant women with lumbo-pelvic pain, the use of KT for 5 to 10 days produces a short-term reduction in pain intensity that exceeds the MCID, with a low certainty of evidence. Systematic Review Registration NumberSystematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42023388174. Contribution of Paper•The meta-analysis showed that KT reduces pain intensity and improves disability in women with lumbo-pelvic pain.•A duration of 5 to 10 days of KT is sufficient to exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pain intensity.•Studies of high methodological quality with longer follow-up are needed.