| Objective: To systematically evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of kinesio taping (KT) in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the effects of KT in the treatment of CNLBP. The search covered all available literature from database inception to July 2025. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) or numerical rating scale (NRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), roland-morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) score, and modified schober test (MST). Two independent reviewers screened the literature and extracted data. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed based on the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews and the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale. Meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment were performed using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 18 software. Results: A total of 29 RCT involving 1,627 patients were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that, compared with control interventions, KT significantly improved pain score ［SMD=-0.85, 95% CI (-1.11, -0.58), P<0.001］, ODI ［MD=-4.02, 95% CI (-5.03, -3.02), P<0.001］, RMDQ ［MD=-1.35, 95% CI (-2.09, -0.60), P=0.0004］, JOA score ［MD=3.15, 95% CI (2.09, 4.21), P<0.001］, and MST results ［MD=0.66, 95% CI (0.40, 0.93), P<0.001］.There was a certain degree of heterogeneity among the outcome measures; therefore, a random-effects model was applied, together with sensitivity and subgroup analyses to address this issue. Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that KT may have potential benefits in improving pain, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion in pa-tients with CNLBP; however, the results exhibit a certain degree of heterogeneity, and its clinical value requires further confirmation through high-quality studies. |
