Effects of Kinesio Taping method on menstrual pain: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

Background and aims: Current research promotes complementary methods of coping with menstrual pain (MP). The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Kinesio Taping (KT) intervention on MP and determine whether KT has therapeutic impact or whether there is presence of placebo. Methods: In within-subject design, 30 female participants were divided into two groups: the first group received an application of KT spatial correction technique (E), then placebo KT (P), while in the other group the reverse order of interventions was used. Every phase included one menstrual cycle. The average age of participants was 23.5 years (18-39). VAS, Brief Pain Inventory Scale, and some SF-36 subscales were used in the assessment. Results: The worst MP without any intervention (6.17) did not significantly differ from P phase (6.07) but decreased significantly to 5.10 during E phase (F=18.38 ; p=0.000). There was also a significant difference between E and P phase in the average MP, in the worst experienced MP, the mildest one, and for current pain: in E phase all types of pain were less intense. Regarding quality of life, significantly better results were obtained during phase E for physical functioning, energy/fatigue, role limitations due to physical health, and due to pain. For emotional well-being and general health there weren’t significant differences between E and P phase. Conclusions: KT has beneficial effect in reducing MP and its consequences and it is significantly superior to placebo. The order of intervention showed no statistical significance, which also confirms the therapeutic effect of KT.