The effect of Muscle Energy Techniques versus cross (X) technique kinesio taping to treat chronic low back dysfunction

Abstract

Background/Aims: Chronic low back dysfunction is a serious health problem affecting people at some time in their life; it impedes the mobility of the lumbar spine and adjacent joints leading to functional disabilities. Muscle Energy Techniques aim to normalise soft tissue structures, such as shortened or tight muscles, with no direct implication to the joint associated with these soft tissues. Kinesio taping supports damaged structures without restriction of mobility and at the same time may influence some of the mechanisms associated with muscle fatigue, such as blood flow and proprioception. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Muscle Energy Techniques and kinesio taping on pain level and spinal mobility in patients with chronic low back dysfunction. Methods: A total of 90 patients with chronic low back dysfunction were selected. All participants were randomly allocated into three groups; group A received cross (X) technique kinesio taping and conventional therapy, Group B received cross (X) technique kinesio taping, Muscle Energy Techniques and conventional therapy, Group C received Muscle Energy Techniques and conventional therapy. A visual analogue scale for pain severity and inclinometer for trunk range of motion were used to measure the results. Results: Results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the post-treatment measurements of the three groups. Conclusions: A combination between Muscle Energy Techniques and kinesio taping with conventional therapy appears to improve pain and trunk range of motion in patients with chronic low back dysfunction.