A Comparative Study of Mulligan Taping Versus McConnell Taping along with SNAGS in the Treatment of Mechanical Low Back Pain

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Mechanical back pain, a common name for a range of pain conditions caused by shear forces on muscles and aberrant tension on the spinal column, refers to discomfort caused by overloading of anatomical systems, which increases joint stiffness and reduces the elasticity and flexibility of the spine. Mulligan taping and Kinesio taping have both been effective in improving the range of motion by reducing pain and correcting the positional fault and repositioning joints and decreasing stress on the anatomical structures. This study compares the effects of Mulligan taping versus Kinesio taping along with with sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGS) on pain, range of motion, and disability in individuals having mechanical low back pain. Materials and Methods: Fifty people aged between 21 and 50 years were recruited with informed consent following approval from the ethical committee. Two sets of participants were selected by convenient sampling: Group B (SNAGS + Kinesio taping) and Group A (SNAGS + Mulligan taping). The Modified Schober’s test, the Roland–Morris low back pain and disability questionnaire, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale pain score were used as outcome measures. Measurements were taken on day 1 and day 14. Results: Data were analyzed using WinPepi software. Normality was checked with the Shapiro–Wilks test. The Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test was used to compare differences within the groups. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare differences between the groups. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in both groups, whereas no significant differences were observed between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: SNAGS along with Mulligan taping and SNAGS with Kinesio taping are equally effective for reducing pain and disability and improving the range of motion in individuals undergoing mechanical low back pain treatment.