Effectiveness of kinesio taping in improving pain and inter recti distance in women with post-partum low back pain

Low back pain is considered to be the most salient feature during the postpartum period. The incidence of post-partum symptoms peculiarly back pain varies from women to women with vanishing of symptoms in over 60% in 2 days post -partum to as high as 82% at 18 months. There is dearth of evidence on Kinesio Taping for improving women's health during and post pregnancy.

To explore the efficacy of Kinesio Tape on Pain and Inter-recti distance in women with Postpartum Low Back Pain.

A total of forty postpartum women with low back pain (Age 26.68 _ 3.83 yrs; Height 153.74 _ 8.59 cm; Weight 53.58 _ 6.83kg; BMI 22.91 _ 3.00) were recruited for the study.

Participants were randomly assigned to either the KT group that performed combined Kinesio Taping along with exercises and hot pack 5 times/week for 6 weeks, or to the control group that followed conventional treatment that included exercises and hot pack. Main outcome measures: Pain and Inter recti Distance was measured and analysed using independent t test and repeated measures of ANNOVA at the baseline, end of 3^rd week and at the last day of 6^th week.

KT group demonstrated significant improvement in reducing Inter recti distance and pain at (p < 0.05).

KT Group showed significant improvement in IRD and Pain parameters indicating improvement in low back pain in post-partum women. Therefore, Kinesio taping in combination with exercises may be incorporated in the management programs of the females suffering from post-partum low back pain.