A systematic review of lumbar elastic tape on trunk mobility: a debatable issue

Abstract Objective To systematically review the literature to analyze the effect of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility, surpassing the minimal detectable change of the used outcome measurement tool, and to analyze the additional effect of applied tension and direction of elastic tape application in low back pain and healthy subjects. Data source Four databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, and Google scholar. Study selection Inclusion criteria were, Randomized- and Clinical Controlled Trials evaluating the lumbar elastic tape application effectiveness on trunk mobility. Data extraction Two researchers executed the search and a third author was consulted at disagreement. The methodological quality was scored using the PEDro-scale, with studies scoring ≤ 5 being excluded. Data synthesis Eight of 6799 studies were included, 5 studies were on low back pain subjects, and 3 studies on healthy subjects. Two studies scored low on the PEDro-scale and had to be excluded. None of the reported significant changes in trunk mobility due to elastic tape application exceed the indicated minimal detectable change. No conclusions can be drawn from the direction and applied tension of elastic tape application. Conclusion Based on the results of the systematic review, there is no evidence supporting the effect of lumbar elastic tape application. We recommend consensus in the use of more reliable and valid instruments in future studies.