Therapeutic Effect of Rigid Taping Versus Heat Therapy and Massage on Acute Non-Discogenic Low Back Pain and Functional Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Abstract
Background: Acute non-discogenic low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with pain, restricted movement, and functional disability. Conservative physiotherapy interventions such as heat therapy, massage, and taping are frequently used for symptom management; however, comparative evidence regarding the short-term effectiveness of rigid taping versus conventional passive modalities remains limited. Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of rigid taping with heat therapy combined with massage on pain intensity and functional disability in adults with acute non-discogenic low back pain. Methods: This parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 58 participants aged 20–50 years with acute non-discogenic low back pain of less than six weeks’ duration. Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received rigid lumbar taping, while Group B received superficial moist heat therapy followed by therapeutic massage. Both interventions were administered three sessions per week for two consecutive weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and functional disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index. Data were analyzed using paired and independent-samples t-tests, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant post-treatment improvements. NPRS decreased from 7.12 ± 0.81 to 2.41 ± 0.95 in the rigid taping group and from 7.03 ± 0.76 to 4.10 ± 1.02 in the heat therapy plus massage group. ODI decreased from 36.18 ± 5.44 to 14.37 ± 4.91 and from 35.74 ± 5.28 to 22.48 ± 5.17, respectively. Between-group differences significantly favored rigid taping for both NPRS and ODI outcomes (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Rigid taping produced greater short-term reductions in pain intensity and functional disability than heat therapy combined with massage in adults with acute non-discogenic low back pain.
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