The effect of elastic therapeutic taping and rigid taping on pain, functionality, and tissue temperature in lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized controlled study.

To compare the therapeutic effects of different taping materials and techniques on pain, functionality, and tissue temperature in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Methods: Patients with lumbar radiculopathy were included in the study ( n  = 51). Patients were randomly divided into three groups, which were the elastic taping ( n  = 17), rigid taping ( n  = 17), and placebo taping groups ( n  = 17). All patients were enrolled in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program that included thermotherapy, electrotherapy, and exercise five times a week for 2 weeks. The pain was measured before and after treatment using the Visual Analogue Scale. Functionality and quality of life were measured using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. The tissue temperature of the treated area in the lumbar region was measured by digital electronic infra-red thermography. Results: After the treatment, pain, functionality, and quality of life were improved in all groups ( p  < 0.05). Elastic taping was more effective in decreasing pain and increasing functionality than placebo taping ( p  < 0.05), but no difference was observed between placebo taping and rigid tapping. Local tissue temperature did not change before and after treatment in the elastic taping group ( p  > 0.05). Tissue temperature increased in the rigid and placebo taping groups ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion: Taping therapy in patients with lumbar radiculopathy has a positive effect on pain and functional status. Elastic taping can be recommended for clinical use because its effect is superior in some recovery parameters and its ease of use.