Effectiveness of Core Stability Exercise with I and Y Kinesio Taping on Pain, Functional Disability and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Background: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is prevalent and significantly affects function and quality of life. Core Stability Exercise (CSE) and Kinesio Taping (KT) are commonly used interventions, but evidence comparing the relative efficacy of different taping techniques (I vs. Y) in combination with CSE remains limited.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Core Stability Exercise combined with I-taping versus Y-taping on reducing pain (primary outcome: NPRS), disability (ODI), and improving quality of life (SF-36) in CNSLBP.
Primary Outcome: Between-group difference in change in NPRS score from baseline to 4 weeks.
Methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 62 CNSLBP patients aged 30–55 years, randomly allocated (1:1) to I-taping+CSE or Y-taping+CSE. Randomization was computer-generated with sealed-envelope allocation. NPRS, ODI, and SF-36 were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Effect sizes (mean difference with 95% CI) and exact p-values were reported.
Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvement in NPRS and ODI over 4 weeks. Between-group NPRS change showed a mean difference of −0.42 (95% CI: −1.29 to 0.45; p = 0.31), indicating no superiority of either taping method. No serious adverse events occurred.
Conclusion: I-taping and Y-taping combined with Core Stability Exercise are similarly effective in improving pain, disability, and quality of life in CNSLBP patients. Improvements observed exceeded MCID thresholds for NPRS and ODI in both groups, suggesting clinical relevance despite non-significant between-group differences.