Effect of Elastic Taping on Stiffness of Lumbar Stabilizer Muscles

The Effect of Elastic Banding on the Elasticity of the Lumbar Stabilizer Muscles in Individuals With Non-specific Low Back Pain.

Low back pain is a common health problem worldwide. Epidemiological studies have shown that 70-80% of all people are affected at least once in their lifetime.

Although it is common, often the cause of the pain has not been determined and is called 'nonspecific low back pain. Chronic low back pain ranks second among the most common pain complaints under the age of 45 in the industrial age of limited activity. Organic pathology is not encountered in most musculoskeletal system pains. There are usually many underlying causes. The current literature offers a variety of treatment options, depending on the duration and severity of the symptoms of non-specific low back pain. These treatments include behavioral cognitive therapy, medication, electrophysical agents, manual therapy, and general exercises. Looking at the literature, it has been observed that there are not many objective studies investigating the effect of elastic bandage application on muscle elasticity.

'Shear Wave Elastography' is a method that quantitatively reveals the elasticity of tissues by measuring the speed of shear waves formed in the tissues through non-invasive high-frequency ultrasound waves. In recent studies, Shear Wave Elastography has shown promising results in demonstrating the elasticity of peripheral nerves.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients who diagnosed with non-specific low back pain
• between the ages of 18-24
• patients who able to perform at least 40° of trunk flexion

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients who obese, pregnant, had specific low back pain
• indication for surgery in the past 1 year
• the trauma of lumbar region, and systemic inflammatory disease affecting this area
• exercise and conventional physiotherapy in the last 6 months