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Low Back PainNCT07317518

The Effect of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques Applied to Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain on the Thoracolumbar Fascia

A study testing Functional Fascial Taping Group, Muscle Technique Taping Group and Damascus Banding Group in people with Low Back Pain, run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of functional thoracolumbar fascia kinesiology taping on fascia thickness, pain, and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Low Back Pain
What is being tested?
Functional Fascial Taping Group, Muscle Technique Taping Group and Damascus Banding Group
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
66 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
19 Feb 2026to 15 Jul 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age: Be between 18 and 65 years old.
  • Volunteer status: Be willing to participate in the study and sign an informed consent form.
  • Diagnosis: Have been diagnosed by a physician with nonspecific mechanical chronic low back pain. This diagnosis is defined as follows:
  • A pain episode lasting longer than 6 weeks or
  • A history of recurrent low back pain (episodes lasting longer than 24 hours with at least one pain-free period of one month before/after the episode).
  • Localization: Pain localized between the lowest rib and the gluteal folds.

Who cannot join

  • Specific Spinal Pathologies: The presence of a specific cause for back pain (e.g., structural abnormalities such as herniation, stenosis, spondylolisthesis).
  • History of Major Trauma: A history of serious trauma to the back region.
  • Systemic Diseases: Systemic diseases that may affect the outcome, such as rheumatological diseases or diabetes.
  • History of Cancer: Any cancer diagnosis or history.
  • Osteoporosis: Diagnosis of bone loss.
  • Inflammatory or Neurological Diseases: Diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or a neurological disease.
Show all 11Show fewer
  • Radicular Pain: Presence of radicular pain radiating to the legs, suggesting nerve root compression.
  • Skin Conditions:
  • Known skin sensitivity or allergy to the patches.
  • Active dermatitis or pre-existing skin lesion in the patch application area.
  • Recent Treatments: Having undergone a physical therapy and rehabilitation (PTR) program targeting the lumbar region or an intervention such as an injection within the last 3 months prior to the start of the study.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Kirşehir Ahi Evran Univercity

    Center, Kirşehi̇r

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effect of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques Applied to Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain on the Thoracolumbar Fascia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effects of functional thoracolumbar fascia kinesiology taping on fascia thickness, pain, and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The study is planned as a randomized controlled trial and will include a total of 30 individuals aged 18-65 years who have been diagnosed with nonspecific mechanical chronic low back pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the Functional Fascial Taping Group will receive kinesiology tape applied to the thoracolumbar fascia using a fascia correction technique, while the Muscle Technique Taping Group will receive traditional muscle taping applied to the paravertebral muscles. Interventions will be performed twice a week for two weeks. Assessments will be performed before and after treatment; pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale, pressure pain threshold will be measured using an algometer, functional disability will be measured using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, and thoracolumbar fascia thickness will be measured using ultrasonography. The findings are expected to contribute to clinical practice by providing evidence-based data on the effectiveness of different kinesiology taping techniques in chronic low back pain.

Read the detailed description

Non-specific chronic low back pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition associated with recurrent symptoms, functional limitations, and substantial psychosocial burden. Current clinical practice frequently relies on passive treatment approaches, including various taping techniques; however, the specific effects of different kinesio taping methods on fascial structures remain insufficiently explored. In particular, objective evidence regarding changes in thoracolumbar fascia morphology following targeted taping interventions is limited.

This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of functional fascial kinesio taping and conventional muscle taping on thoracolumbar fascia thickness, pain perception, and functional disability in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Participants diagnosed with non-specific mechanical chronic low back pain will be randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups. One group will receive functional fascial taping applied according to movement-based pain modulation principles, while the comparison group will receive traditional muscle-oriented kinesio taping. Both interventions will be administered over a short-term treatment period without additional therapeutic modalities to isolate the effects of taping.

Outcome assessment will focus on changes in pain intensity, pressure pain sensitivity, functional disability, and thoracolumbar fascial characteristics. Fascial thickness will be evaluated using ultrasonographic imaging to provide an objective measure of tissue-level response. By integrating subjective clinical outcomes with imaging-based assessment, this study seeks to clarify whether taping strategies that target fascial mechanics offer advantages over conventional muscle-focused approaches.

The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based decision-making in rehabilitation practice by informing clinicians about the potential role of fascia-oriented taping in the management of chronic low back pain, while minimizing redundancy with procedural and technical details documented elsewhere in the study record.

Conditions
Low Back Pain
Being tested
Functional Fascial Taping Group, Muscle Technique Taping Group, Damascus Banding Group, Traditional treatment
Keywords
Non-specific chronic low back pain, Kinesio taping, Thoracolumbar fascia
Medical subject headings
Low Back Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Functional Fascial Taping GroupOther

    The treatment program for the Functional Fascial Taping Group is as follows: Participants in this group will undergo a targeted fascial correction technique applied to the thoracolumbar fascia. In practice, "I" and "Y" strips cut from 5 cm x 5 m kinesiology tape will be used, and the tapes will be applied to the right and left thoracolumbar fascia with an oscillatory (oscillating) tension in the range of 10-50%. The protocol will be repeated for a total of 2 weeks (4 sessions), twice a week, and the tapes will be replaced at each session. The primary goal is to reduce pain and improve function by directly affecting the biomechanics of the fascial tissue. Patients in the stabilization exercises group will perform cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels with gradually increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to patients level by level by a physical therapist over 6 weeks. Stretching exercises will be performed before each exercise session.

  • Muscle Technique Taping GroupOther

    In this group, the more traditional approach of muscle taping will be adopted. The application will be performed using three "I"-shaped strips of tape. The first two strips will be placed completely tension-free (0%) on the paravertebral muscles while the patient is leaning forward and performing a slight rotation. The third tape will be applied transversally with 25% tension, parallel to the ground, over the sacroiliac joints. This protocol will also be applied twice a week for two weeks, with the aim of providing muscle support and increasing stabilization.

  • Damascus Banding GroupOther

    The taping applied in this group will not aim to correct any muscles or fascia, will be performed without applying therapeutic tension (0% tension), and will not produce a standard clinical effect. At the end of the study, all participants will be informed that they can access known effective taping approaches upon request.

  • Traditional treatmentOther

    Patients in the stabilization exercise group will be given cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels with gradually increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to patients level by level by a physical therapist over 6 weeks. Patients will perform the exercises for a total of 6 weeks. Patients will be asked to perform stretching exercises before each exercise session.

Study groups in NCT07317518
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group 1 (Functional Fascial Taping Group):ExperimentalFor this group, "I" and "Y" kinesiology tape will be applied using a fascial correction technique on the thoracolumbar fascia with 10-50% oscillatory (oscillating) tension. The taping direction will be determined based on the direction in which pain is most reduced during movement.
Receives: Other: Functional Fascial Taping Group; Other: Traditional treatment
Group 2 (Muscle Technique Taping Group):Active comparatorThis group will be applied using "I" strip kinesiology tape muscle taping techniques on the paravertebral muscles. Two of the tapes will be applied completely tension-free (0%), while one will be applied transversely to the sacroiliac region with 25% tension.
Receives: Other: Muscle Technique Taping Group; Other: Traditional treatment
Group 3 (Damascus Taping Group):Sham comparatorThis group will receive kinesiology tape applied symbolically to the skin over the thoracolumbar region without any therapeutic taping technique, without targeting fascia or muscle correction, and without creating meaningful tension (0% tension). Sham taping will be used to control for the placebo effect, independent of the specific mechanical and neurophysiological effects of taping.
Receives: Other: Damascus Banding Group; Other: Traditional treatment

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Pain intensity

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure participants' pain intensity. Participants are asked to indicate their current state by placing a line or dot on a 10-centimeter straight line, where both ends are defined by the parameter to be measured in the individual. Pain intensity in the individual is calculated in this way. For example, the parameters to be evaluated are determined at one end of the drawn 10-centimeter straight line (0 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain).

    Measured: 6 week

  2. The thoracolumbar fascia thickness/ULTRASOUND

    The thoracolumbar fascia thickness will be measured using the Versana Primer R2 VS GE (China, 2022) ultrasound with a 4.0-13.0 MHz, 38.4 mm probe and a scanning protocol performed at the L3 level of the lumbar spine. Measurements will be performed by an experienced physician doctor in musculoskeletal ultrasound. Measurements will be performed bilaterally in the standard manner, with the patient lying comfortably in the prone position. Measurements will be performed using ultrasound B-mode and a depth setting of 30 mm. Sufficient gel will be used to avoid probe compression on the skin to ensure accurate measurements. To prevent TLF thickness differences from affecting the results, measurements will be taken at 3 separate points and averaged. As recommended by Pirri et al., the probe will be placed perpendicularly, and short and long axis images will be obtained. Images will be recorded and measurements will be taken (Pirri et al., 2024).

    Measured: 6 week

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. LOW BACK PAIN DISABILITY

    The Oswestry Back Pain Disability Questionnaire will be used to obtain information about how much back (or leg) pain affects a person's daily activities. The questionnaire consists of 10 sections. The patient is asked to mark the most appropriate answer for themselves. The score is calculated, and the resulting percentage values are interpreted according to the values given below (Yi, 2008); 0% - 20% - minimal disability 20% - 40% - moderate disability 40% - 60% - severe disability 60% - 80% - disabled 80% - 100% - bedridden

    Measured: 6 week

  2. Posture

    Spinal posture was assessed using a computer-assisted wireless Spinal Mouse device (Spinal Mouse System, Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). The device was guided manually along the spinous processes from C7 to S3 while the participant stood in a relaxed upright position. The Spinal Mouse records sagittal spinal curvature and calculates numerical values for thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and overall spinal inclination. All postural alignment parameters were automatically transferred to the computer software and expressed as angular values (degrees).

    Measured: 6 week

  3. Lateral Bridge Testt

    The lateral bridge test will be used to evaluate lateral core muscle endurance. Participants will be instructed to lie on their right side, supporting their body on the forearm and feet, with the body aligned in a straight line. The non-supporting arm will rest along the body. Participants will be asked to maintain this position for as long as possible. The test will be terminated when proper alignment is lost or when the pelvis contacts the examination surface. The duration the position is held will be recorded in seconds (Bliss \& Teeple, 2005).

    Measured: 6 week

  4. Spinal Mobility:

    Spinal mobility was evaluated with the same Spinal Mouse system by assessing trunk flexion posture. Participants were instructed to perform maximal trunk flexion from the standing position, and the device was rolled along the spine during the movement. The Spinal Mouse quantitatively measured segmental and total spinal range of motion by calculating angular changes between adjacent vertebral segments. The system provides cumulative numerical values for spinal flexion mobility in degrees. Spinal mobility measurements were recorded at baseline and at the 6-week follow-up.

    Measured: 6 week

  5. Postural Endurance (Postural Competence):

    Postural endurance was assessed using the Spinal Mouse device during a standardized static loading task. Participants were asked to hold a weight equivalent to 5% of their body weight with both hands at shoulder level, arms parallel to the floor, for 30 seconds while maintaining an upright posture. Immediately after the task, spinal posture was re-measured using the Spinal Mouse. Changes in spinal alignment angles before and after the endurance task were calculated numerically by the software and used as indicators of postural endurance (competence).

    Measured: 6 week

  6. Static Trunk Extension Test (Sorensen Test):

    The Sorensen test will be performed to assess endurance of the trunk extensor muscles. Participants will lie in a prone position with the pelvis, hips, and knees supported on the examination table, while the upper body extends beyond the edge of the table. The lower extremities will be stabilized by straps or manual fixation. Participants will be instructed to maintain the upper body in a horizontal position with arms crossed over the chest. The test will end when the participant is unable to maintain the horizontal position or reports fatigue. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds (Baltacı et al., 2006).

    Measured: 6 week

  7. Trunk Flexor Endurance Test

    Trunk flexor endurance will be assessed using a standardized static trunk flexion test. Participants will sit on the examination table with the trunk flexed to approximately 60 degrees, hips and knees flexed, and feet secured. Arms will be crossed over the chest. Participants will be instructed to maintain this position without support for as long as possible. The test will be terminated when the participant is unable to maintain the target position or reports exhaustion. The duration will be measured in seconds using a stopwatch (Bliss \& Teeple, 2005).

    Measured: 6 week

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 Jan 2026
  2. Study start19 Feb 2026
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2026
  4. Study completion15 Jul 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomized controlled trials
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Investigator
Enrolment
66 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07317518
Sponsor's protocol ID
52066301980.
Status last verified
Nov 2026
First submitted
15 Dec 2025
Last updated
3 Nov 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Functional Fascial Taping Group, Muscle Technique Taping Group and Damascus Banding Group in people with Low Back Pain, run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Pain intensity (time frame: 6 week). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Nov 2026.

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