Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica xxx (2017) 1e6

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Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica

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The effect of Kinesio taping on back pain in patients with Lenke Type 1
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial
Yunus Atici a, *, Canan Gonen Aydin b, Aysegul Atici c, d, Mehmet Ozbey Buyukkuscu b,
Yavuz Arikan b, Mehmet Bulent Balioglu b
a
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Okan University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
b
Metin Sabanci Baltalimani Bone Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
c
Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
d
Carsamba State Hospital, Samsun, Turkey

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Purpose: This study investigated the short-term effects of KT on back pain (BP) in patients with Lenke
Received 20 July 2016 Type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
Received in revised form Methods: We chosen Lenke Type 1 scoliosis who have had only back pain (the localization of the pain:
24 November 2016
the only in the apical convex edge). Forty patients suffering from BP with Lenke Type 1 AIS were
Accepted 14 January 2017
randomly separated into two groups, Group 1 (20 patients) and Group 2 (20 patients). Group 1 was given
Available online xxx
KT with tension and home exercises and Group 2 was given KT without tension and home exercises. KT
and home exercises was applied to the thoracic area of the patients in both groups for four weeks. Pain
Keywords:
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) and SRS-22 (subtotal SRS-20) before and after
Back pain treatment.
Exercise Results: Mean age of both groups was 16.1 years. Mean Cobb angle of the thoracic scoliosis was 31.8

Kinesio taping (range: 17
e44
) in Group 1 and 32.8
(range: 19
e43
) in Group 2 before the treatment. The decrease in
VAS score of Group 1 after taping was higher than that of Group 2. The difference between the pre- and
post-treatment VAS scores of both groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The increase in mean
SRS-20 score of Group 1 following taping application was significantly higher than the increase in the
control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Results demonstrated that KT application with tension effectively leads to back pain relief
shortly after application. In addition, KT has a positive impact on quality of life. Thus, KT may be a
suitable intervention in treating back pain of patients with AIS.
Level of Evidence: Level 1, Therapeutic study
© 2017 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. This is
an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/
4.0/).

Introduction Several researches have been conducted to study conservative

treatment methods for BP of patients with AIS. Conservative
Despite its lower prevalence in adolescents than adults, back treatment of BP with AIS include swimming, home exercises, chi-
pain is a more common problem in patients with BP scoliosis when ropractics, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, acupuncture,
compared with the normal population.1e3 Studies have reported a Pilates, yoga, use of medication (acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-
wide range for prevalence of back pain in adolescent idiopathic inflammatory drugs, myorelaxants or opioid analgesics), back
scoliosis (AIS), from 23 to 85%.1e7 When accompanied by AIS, BP has school and spinal manipulation.9e19 However, there is still no
a negative impact on the psychosocial status of the individual.8 treatment algorithm based on evidence. Thus, order of choice for
these methods is totally random. Kinesio taping (KT) is a conser-
vative treatment method for controlling pain in the treatment of
_
* Corresponding author. Okan University Hospital, Içmeler, Aydınlı Yolu Cad., musculoskeletal conditions which have recently gained popularity.
Aydemir Sok. No:2, 34947, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey. Fax: þ90 216 6771647.
E-mail address: yunatici@hotmail.com (Y. Atici).
The technique has been first defined by Kenzo Kase. Kinesio tape is
Peer review under responsibility of Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and a non-invasive technique allowing a longitudinal stretch of 55e60%
Traumatology. more than its regular length. Inventors of this technique suggested

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002
1017-995X/© 2017 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Please cite this article in press as: Atici Y, et al., The effect of Kinesio taping on back pain in patients with Lenke Type 1 adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial, Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002
2 Y. Atici et al. / Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica xxx (2017) 1e6

two different concepts with two different amounts of tension in 1 (KT with tension), the tape was applied over the area of spinalis
application of the method. With the light (15e25%) tension appli- thoracis muscle (between T3 and L1) (origin point: spinous pro-
cation of the method from the insertion point to the origin of the cesses of T11 to L3, insertion point: spinous processes of T3 to T8)
muscle, the muscular function is inhibited, whereas with the light- with 25e50% of tension for the convex side (from the origin of the
to-moderate (25e50%) tension application of the method from the muscle to the insertion point) for and 15e25% of tension for the
origin of the muscle to the insertion point activates the muscular concave side (from the insertion of the muscle to the origin point)
function.20 (Fig. 1). In the Group 2 (KT without tension), a paper off tension
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of KT as an application of taping was done longitudinally over the thoracic
alternative treatment choice in BP patients with Lenke Type 1 AIS area (between T3 and L1) for the convex side (from the origin of
who were given KT plus home exercises and control group KT the muscle to the insertion point) for the concave side (from the
(without tension) plus home exercises. Besides, we aimed to give insertion of the muscle to the origin point) (Fig. 2). That is, we
variety and bring to innovation to an alternative conservative applied similar to areas in Group 2 according to the KT with
treatment choice for BP with AIS. tension group. Application area (between T3 and L1) was con-
tained both painful region origin and insertion points of the each
Materials and methods muscle.
Home exercises consisted of stretching and strengthening ex-
This prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial with a 4- ercises. Stretching exercise for the concave side and strengthening
week follow-up period was performed as a single-center study. exercise for the convex was performed all patients. Three sets of
Patients who were diagnosed with Lenke Type 1 AIS, who have had stretching exercise for the concave side, with each set involving a
only back pain (the localization of the pain: the only in the apical 20-s hold and 20-s rest with four reps were performed three times
convex edge) for more than 3 months, and those between 10 and 18 a week for four weeks. Three sets of strengthening exercise for the
years of age and were students were included in the study. We convex side, included 20 reps with a 20-s hold, was performed
chosen Lenke Type 1 scoliosis with patients because they are seen three times a week for four weeks. Benefits of regular exercise were
more often than other types and KT is not successful for low back told to the patients and they were encouraged to do their first
pain with other Lenke types (e.g. Lenke type 5 or 6). Those who had session with a supervisor. Patients were told to avoid repetitive and
LBP, a systemic or local regional infection, malignity, neuro- compelling thoracic and lumbar movements.
dermatitis, skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, decom- Patients were given visual analog scale (VAS) forms and were
pensated heart failure; were pregnant; had advanced asthma, asked to fill them in before and after treatment for evaluation of
epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, previous surgery (spinal pain.22 Subtotal SRS-20 section of the SRS-22 questionnaire were
fusion), spinal cord anomalies and tumors, any pathological spinal filled for assessing their quality of life. Patients' perception of their
anomalies, such as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis and lumbosa- deformity has become a measurable quantity through the use of
cral transitional anomalies that could be associated with BP; un- health-related quality of life. The most commonly used tool
derwent physiotherapy and medical treatment for scoliosis within currently is the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) question-
last year and/or used brace were excluded. The patients were naire for the assessment of spinal deformity, whose Turkish version
evaluated for decision of the conservative treatment by two or- has been validated.23 Pain, self-image, functional activity, and
thopedics surgeons. The patients had only back pain. The patients mental health were the components of the SRS-22 questionnaire
did not have progressive curve. KT was performed by a certified (subtotal SRS-20).
Kinesio taping practitioner. Home exercises were given by the Mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum
specialist of physical medicine and rehabilitation. values were used in descriptive statistics of the data. Distribution of
All patients were evaluated according to Lenke et al21 classifi- the variables was analyzed with the KolmogoroveSmirnov test.
cation, with standing anteroposterior, lateral, traction and bending ManneWhitney U test was utilized in analyzing quantitative data.
radiographs. Type 1 deviation (structural, main thoracic curvature, Analysis of repetitive measurements was done with the Wilcoxon
non-structural proximal and thoracolumbar/lumbar curvature) was test. The chi-square test was employed in analysis of qualitative
present in all cases. Type and size of deviation, lumbar and sagittal data, or Fischer's test where chi-square test conditions were not
plane parameters, kyphosis, lordosis, SVA, PI, SS, and PT were met. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical
measured and recorded. But, we did not evaluate the thoracic rib analyses were performed using the SPSS 22.0 software.
hump of patients.
Our hospital has an experts group for spine surgery. We Results
planned this study for 6 months. We hoped that more patients
will come in our clinic. But forty-six patients with Lenke Type 1 Mean age was 16.1 (range: 14e18) years in Group 1 and 16.1
AIS accepting our study came for KT treatment. Six patients did (range: 13e18) years in Group 2 (p > 0.05). Nineteen female (95%)
not adjust to treatment. These patients were removed from this and one male (5%) patient were in Group 1 and 18 female (90%) and
study. Forty patients who met the inclusion criteria were two male (10%) patients in Group 2 (p > 0.05).
randomly with computer program divided into two groups. Group Mean body mass index (BMI) in Group 1 was 28.4 ± 5.2 kg/m2
1 (20 patients) was given KT and home exercises application and and in Group 2, 26.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2, respectively. There were no sig-
Group 2 (20 patients) control group KT and home exercises. Pa- nificant differences between the 2 groups in terms of BMI
tients' data regarding their age, sex, height, weight and profession (p > 0.05).
were collected and their preference for KT color was noted. After Group 1 had 12 patients (60%) with Lenke Type 1A, six (30%)
they were trained about the KT application, the patients were with Type 1B, and two (10%) with Type 1C curvature. Group 2 had
asked not to remove the tape unless a reaction developed. The nine patients (45%) with Type 1A, nine (45%) with Type 1B, and two
skin was cleaned with alcohol. Patients with bristle were asked to (10%) with Type 1C curvature. No statistically significant difference
cut them 1 h prior to application. Attention was paid to ensure the was observed between two groups in terms of lumbar modifier
tapes had rounded edges. The patients were called for follow-up (p > 0.05).
with intervals of one week and standard Kinesio® Tex Gold As shown in Table 1, there was no statistically significant dif-
Classic tape (5 cm width) was applied for four times. In the Group ference between two groups in terms of other demographic

Please cite this article in press as: Atici Y, et al., The effect of Kinesio taping on back pain in patients with Lenke Type 1 adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial, Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002
 Y. Atici et al. / Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica xxx (2017) 1e6 3

Fig. 1. KT with tension application: over the area of spinalis thoracis muscle (between T3 and L1) 25e50% of tension for the convex side (from the origin of the muscle to the
insertion point) for and 15e25% of tension for the concave side (from the insertion of the muscle to the origin point). A. Determination of muscle localizations. B. Application for the
convex side with tension (about between 25% and 50%). C. Application for the concave side with tension (about between 15% and 25%). D. Image after post-treatment KT application
with tension.

Fig. 2. KT without tension or paper off technique application: over the thoracic area (between T3 and L1) for the convex side (from the origin of the muscle to the insertion point)
for the concave side (from the insertion of the muscle to the origin point). A. Determination of muscle localizations. B. Application for the convex side without tension. C. Application
for the concave side without tension. D. Image after post-treatment KT application without tension.

Table 1
Other demographic characteristics.

Group 1 Group 2 p values

KT plus home exercises Control group
Mean ± S.D. Mean ± S.D.
Median (minemax) Median (minemax)

Number of patients 20 20
Mean thoracic scoliosis (
) 31.8 ± 8.5 32.8 ± 7.5 0.797
31.5 (17e44) 35 (19e43)
Mean lumbar scoliosis (
) 20.3 ± 9.5 21.6 ± 7.7 0.533
19 (3e39) 22 (5e33)


Mean thoracic kyphosis ( ) 28.6 ± 12 27.3 ± 10.6 0.725
24 (13e54) 27.5 (6e48)
Mean lumbar lordosis (L1-S1) (
) 52.4 ± 11.2 47.6 ± 11.3 0.343
51 (27e75) 50 (15e61)
SVA (mm) 9.2 ± 28.2 12.4 ± 23.4 0.645
7.5 (63e33) 8 (51e42)


PI ( ) 45.1 ± 12.9 40.6 ± 11.5 0.273
43.5 (19e76) 39 (22e60)
SS (
) 34.8 ± 9.9 31.9 ± 8 0.233
36.5 (12e49) 30.5 (17e47)
PT (
) 10.3 ± 8.1 8.8 ± 6.9 0.655
9.5 (0e27) 8 (0e25)

Please cite this article in press as: Atici Y, et al., The effect of Kinesio taping on back pain in patients with Lenke Type 1 adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial, Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002
4 Y. Atici et al. / Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica xxx (2017) 1e6

parameters (p > 0.05). Mean SRS-22 (subtotal SRS-20) and VAS represent all scoliosis. Even so, we best evaluated in terms of
values of the patients are given in Table 2. intervertebral disc disease, spinal cord anomalies and tumors,
Post-treatment VAS score of Group 2 (control group) did not pathological spinal anomalies, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis and
have a statistically significant difference when compared to the lumbosacral transitional anomalies in MR. Our hospital has an ex-
pre-treatment value (p > 0.05). In Group 1 (KT group), however, perts group for spine surgery. We reevaluate the patients with
post-treatment VAS score was significantly lower than the pre- regular periods. None of patients had these pathologies and another
treatment value (p < 0.05). In addition, this decrease in VAS score disease. Though there is no direct association between the size of
of Group 1 was statistically significant when compared with that of deviation and BP, the occurrence of BP might increase based on the
the paper off tension application group (p < 0.05). Based on the type of the deviation (thoracic), the degree of rotational subluxation,
difference in total SRS-20 score of Group 1, it was concluded that and sagittal balance problems.2,3,25 In order to avoid a possible
the quality of life of the patients was affected more positively negative impact of these results on our study, we chose the same
(p < 0.05). type of deviation for both groups when planning the treatment. In
None of the patients developed a complication. addition, as pathologies on the sagittal plane could have an effect on
the nature of the pain and results of our treatment, we also evalu-
Discussion ated the parameters on the sagittal plane and checked to see
whether a statistically significant difference between the groups
In this study, we compared the results of KT with tension plus existed. There was no statistically significant difference for both
home exercises with KT without tension plus home exercises in groups in terms of sagittal plane parameters.
treatment of AIS patients with BP. A statistically significant reduc- It is a known fact that BP of patients with AIS cause health-related
tion in pain was observed in the KT with tension application group quality of life problems. As there is still no treatment algorithm,
when compared to the control group. based on evidence, set for the management of BP in patients with
The roux et al3 reported a BP prevalence of 47.3% in AIS patients AIS, the physicians tend to make their choices of treatment modal-
but relationship between BP and specific spinal area was docu- ities on a random basis. Home exercises, physical therapy, use of
mented under 40% by authors. The authors also investigated pos- medication (acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
sibility of an association between the type of scoliosis and pain and drugs, myorelaxants or opioid analgesics), back school and spinal
found a statistically significant relationship between BP and thoracic manipulation are the most commonly used treatment methods.11e19
scoliosis. However, they did not find a significant relationship be- Kinesio taping has recently become a popular technique in conser-
tween the degree of Cobb's angle and BP. In addition, the authors vative treatment of pain. One of the major aspects of this method is
reported the intensity of BP in scoliotic patients as mild or moderate its applicability in all stages of rehabilitation (acute, subacute,
and reported severe pain as only 1%. Joncas et al2 reviewed 239 AIS chronic) and also as a prophylactic.26 Although the number of sci-
patients prospectively and analyzed the relationship between BP entific attempts to clarify the effect mechanism of KT is limited,27
and low back pain (LBP). The authors observed curvatures both in the idea of the technique is based on creating a free range of mo-
thoracic and lumbar regions of the patients with scoliosis and noted tion to enable the muscular system heal itself biomechanically and
the prevalence of pain as 54%. Pain intensity, as calculated by the being a support for movement.27,28 The application lifts the skin,
mean VAS score, was moderate. The authors also failed to identify a thus increases the interstitial space of the dermis and hypodermis
statistically significant relationship between the degree of Cobb's and decreases the pressure in the region. As a consequence, the
angle and BP. In general, it is fair to say that BP is a common problem blood flow and movement of the region increase, leading to
in AIS. The intensity of pain is either of a mild or moderate nature. reduction of inflammation, in other words, cooling of the related
Our patients also filled VAS for assessing their BP. VAS scores 3.4 zone. It also decreases the irritation of chemical receptors. Reduc-
were best reported for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain tion of pain in turn gives way to improvement of muscle functions,
as mild pain, 3.5 to 7.4 as moderate pain, and 7.5 as severe pain.24 In reduction of neuromuscular system activation of blood and lymph
our study, Group 1 patients had mild pain (10%), moderate pain circulation, and acceleration of the blood flow and tissue healing. It
(55%) and severe pain (35%) before treatment. Group 2 patients had also increases the movement of the joints by stimulating the pro-
mild pain (30%), moderate pain (60%) and severe pain (10%), before prioceptors.26,28 The technique is also believed to directly reduce the
treatment according to analysis VAS scores. Our study found a high pain via the gate control theory by activating the mechanoreceptors
prevalence of severe pain but the patients in this study did not through application of the tape directly on the skin.29,30 Kinesio

Table 2
The results of subtotal SRS-22 and VAS scores.

Group 1 Group 1 p values Group 2 Group 2 p values

KT plus home exercises KT plus home exercises Control group Control group
Pre-treatment Post-treatment Pre-treatment Post-treatment
Mean ± S.D. Mean ± S.D. Mean ± S.D. Mean ± S.D.
Median (minemax) Median (minemax) Median (minemax) Median (minemax)

Pain 3.1 ± 0.8 3.7 ± 0.6 <0.05 3.5 ± 0.6 3.8 ± 0.7 <0.05
3.2 (1.8e4.6) 4 (1.8e4.4) 3.4 (2.2e4.8) 4 (2.6e4.8)
Self image 3.3 ± 0.8 3.6 ± 0.8 >0.05 3.4 ± 0.8 3.5 ± 0.6 >0.05
3.5 (2e4.4) 3.6 (1.6e4.8) 3.6 (2e4.6) 3.5 (2.6e4.6)
Functional activity 3.9 ± 0.8 4.1 ± 0.7 >0.05 4.1 ± 0.6 4.3 ± 0.6 >0.05
3.9 (2.2e5) 4.2 (2.8e5) 4.1 (2.6e5) 4.3 (3.2e5)
Mental health 3.1 ± 0.7 3.2 ± 0.8 >0.05 3.2 ± 0.9 3.2 ± 0.8 >0.05
3.1 (1.4e4) 3.2 (1.4e4.4) 3.2 (1.4e4.8) 3.1 (1.8e4.8)
Total average score (subtotal SRS-20) 3.3 ± 0.6 3.7 ± 0.6 <0.05 3.5 ± 0.6 3.7 ± 0.5 >0.05
3.5 (2.1e4.5) 3.8 (2e4.3) 3.6 (2.7e4.4) 3.7 (2.7e4.8)
VAS 6.6 ± 2 3.5 ± 2.2 <0.05 4.8 ± 2.3 4.1 ± 2.1 >0.05
7 (3e9) 3 (0e9) 4 (1e10) 3.5 (1e8)

Please cite this article in press as: Atici Y, et al., The effect of Kinesio taping on back pain in patients with Lenke Type 1 adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial, Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002
 Y. Atici et al. / Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica xxx (2017) 1e6 5

taping has recently found itself an intriguing place in treatment of et al31 applied conventional physical therapy with KT and con-
musculoskeletal disorders (physical therapy, orthopedics, and ventional physical therapy without KT to their non-specific LBP
sports medicine).31 According to Kase, the success of the method patients and evaluated the results of both groups. Although both
depends on precise evaluation of the patients and proper applica- groups achieved successful treatment results, the difference be-
tion of the technique in all stages.26 Muscle spasms on the concave tween pain, activities of daily living (ADL), and ranges of motion
side in scoliotic patients relieves with stretching exercises while (ROM) of trunk flexion and extension parameters are not statisti-
muscle weakness on the convex side diminishes with strengthening cally significant. In contrast to the above studies, Bae et al39 re-
exercises. Thus, the muscle balance will improve and BP will ported a statistically significant difference between VAS and ODI
regress.32,33 We employed the same mentality in our application of scores of chronic LBP patients treated with KT. It seems there are
KT and home exercises with the patients. not many studies focusing on the treatment of BP with KT in
The use of KT in relieving or eliminating pain has increased in scoliotic patients. In our study, however, we compared the treat-
recent years with the focus mainly on LBP rather than BP.34e36 ment results of Group 1 (KT plus home exercises) with Group 2
Parreira et al34 applied 10e15% of tension to one of their (control group). According to the VAS scores, KT plus home exercise
groups with chronic, non-specific LBP and KT without tension on provided a statistically significant difference and also reduced pain
the second one and found no statistically significant difference more efficiently. In addition, there was a statistically significant
between two groups. In their series of chronic, non-specific LBP difference between the mean totals of SRS-22 pain component
patients, Castro S anchez et al35 applied KT on one group and KT which assessed general quality of life. This positive difference was
without tension on the other. Although the authors concluded in favor of KT plus home exercise patients.
that KT reduced pain and disability when compared to KT The technique could simply be employed as a non-invasive
without tension, they reported that the clinical improvement method of treatment for BP in scoliotic patients as it is prac-
they observed was minimal. Paolini et al36 compared KT plus tical and does not hinder daily activities or cause a complicated
exercise, KT alone and exercise alone on their patients with side-effect. However, our study had some limitations. First, we
chronic LBP. Based on their results, all groups experienced pain only evaluated the short-term effects of KT application. Under
relief, however, there was no statistically significant difference in these circumstances, it is impossible to tell whether the treat-
terms of pain relief between the KT group and exercise alone ment is effective in the long-term. Another limitation of our
group. Luz Júnior et al37 divided their chronic, non-specific LBP study was the limited number of patients and lack of a group
patients into three groups based on their treatment methods; with no KT application. Tapes do have some tension capacity on
the KT group, Micropore (placebo) group, and the control (no their own and this might have had a therapeutical effect in the
tape application) group. The groups did not have a statistically placebo group.26 Although the lack of a control group and limited
significant difference in terms of pain. However, patients with KT number of patients refrain us from reaching a general conclusion,
and Micropore patients had slightly better results with pain re- favorable improvements were achieved, particularly in reduction
lief. In terms of disability, KT and placebo groups had similar of the pain, functional status, and health-related quality of life
results; with the distinction that KT group was superior to the with the treatment applied and no side-effect was observed. It
control group. However, the treatment results in this study are can be concluded that further randomized, controlled trials with
collected in a very short period (outcomes investigated at 48 h high methodological quality and long follow-up periods are
and at seven days after baseline testing). In our study, Group 1 required to evaluate the use and efficacy of KT application on BP
patients had mild pain (10%), moderate pain (55%) and severe of patients with scoliosis and to present results or suggestions
pain (35%) before treatment. Group 2 patients had mild pain regarding the optimal number of sessions and duration of
(30%), moderate pain (60%) and severe pain (10%), before treat- application.
ment. Group 1 patients had mild pain (55%), moderate pain (35%)
and severe pain (10%) after treatment. Group 2 patients had mild Conclusion
pain (50%), moderate pain (40%) and severe pain (10%), after
treatment. The mean VAS score for Group 1 was measured as According to the results of this study, the effects of Kinesio
6.6 ± 2 (range 3e9) pre-treatment, 3.5 ± 2.2 (range 0e9) taping are better than a control group. The application of Kinesio
following the post-treatment (p < 0.0001). The mean VAS score tape reduces the back pain and increases the quality of life in pa-
for Group 2 was measured as 4.8 ± 2.3 (range 1e10) pre- tients with Lenke Type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spinal
treatment, 4.1 ± 2.1 (range 1e8) following the post-treatment surgeons, sport physicians, physicians of physiotherapy and reha-
(p ¼ 0.25). Reduction in VAS score of Group 1 was statistically bilitation can use Kinesio taping in scoliosis with back pain.
significant higher than Group 2 (p ¼ 0.001). The mean pain
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scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial, Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002
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Please cite this article in press as: Atici Y, et al., The effect of Kinesio taping on back pain in patients with Lenke Type 1 adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial, Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.01.002