Abstract

Purpose. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects quality of life and functional capacity. This study aimed to investigate the additive effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) combined with a conventional exercise program on pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Methods. This prospective, randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial included 36 individuals with chronic neck pain who were randomly assigned to either the Conventional Exercise + Sham KT group (n = 18) or the Conventional Exercise + Real KT group (n = 18). Due to the nature of the intervention, the therapist applying the taping was not blinded. Pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status were assessed at baseline and after a three-week intervention period by a blinded assessor.

Results. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status after the intervention (p < 0.05). However, intergroup comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences between the Real KT and Sham KT groups in post-treatment values or change scores.

Conclusion. The addition of Kinesio Taping to a conventional cervical exercise program did not provide additional benefits compared with exercises combined with sham taping. The observed clinical improvements appear to be primarily related to the exercise program and the placebo effect associated with taping. These findings question the routine use of Kinesio Taping as a supplementary treatment in chronic neck pain.

Key words

kinesio taping, chronic neck pain, proprioception, cervical stabilization, stretching exercises