Systematic review of lumbar elastic tape on trunk mobility: a debatable issue (2021)

Objectives

To systematically review the literature to analyze the effect of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility, surpassing the minimal detectable change of the used outcome measurement tool, and to analyze the additional effect of applied tension and direction of elastic tape application in low back pain and participants without low back pain.

Data sources

Four databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar.

Study selection

The inclusion criteria were randomized and clinical controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility.

Data extraction

Two researchers executed the search and a third author was consulted to resolve disagreements. The methodological quality was scored using the PEDro scale, with studies scoring ≤5 being excluded.

Data synthesis

Eight out of 6799 studies were included; 5 studied individuals with low back pain, and 3 studied participants without low back pain. Two studies scored low on the PEDro scale and were excluded. None of the reported significant changes in trunk mobility due to elastic tape application exceeded the indicated minimal detectable change. No conclusions can be drawn from the direction and applied tension of elastic tape application.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this systematic review, there is no evidence supporting the effect of lumbar elastic tape application. We recommend consensus in the use of more reliable and valid instruments in future studies.

Keywords

Athletic tape; CCT, controlled clinical trial; ETA, elastic tape application; FFD, Finger Floor Distance test; FROM, flexion range of motion; Hip; LBP, low back pain; MDC, minimal detectable change; PEDro, Physiotherapy Evidence Database; RCT, randomized controlled t