Postural taping applied to the low back influences kinematics and EMG activity during patient transfer in physical therapists with chronic low back pain

Abstract

We examined the influence of the application of postural taping on the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, electromyographic (EMG) activity of back extensor muscles, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in the low back during patient transfer. In total, 19 male physical therapists with chronic low back pain performed patient transfers with and without the application of postural taping on the low back. The kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and EMG activity of the erector spinae were recorded using a synchronized 3-D motion capture system and surface EMG. RPE was measured using Borg's CR-10 scale. Differences in kinematic data, EMG activity, and RPE between the two conditions were analyzed using a paired t-test. Peak angle and range of motion (ROM) of lumbar flexion, EMG activity of the erector spinae, and RPE decreased significantly, while peak angle and ROM of pelvic anterior tilt and hip flexion increased significantly during patient transfer under the postural taping condition versus no taping (p<0.05). These findings suggest that postural taping can change back extensor muscle activity and RPE as well as the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in physical therapists with chronic low back pain during patient transfer.