Does dynamic taping affect pain, muscle strength, work-related endurance, and fear avoidance in semiconductor engineers with repetitive low back pain?

Abstract

Background: Engineers in the semiconductor industry frequently experience recurrent low back pain (LBP) due to prolonged, repetitive work postures. The operation of machinery in this industry requires a high level of muscle endurance. Dynamic taping can help reduce stress on joints and soft tissues during movement.

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of dynamic taping in workers with recurrent LBP, focusing on pain levels, muscle strength, work-related endurance, and fear avoidance behaviors.

Methods: This crossover study recruited 28 engineers with repetitive LBP from the semiconductor industry. Each participant underwent two interventions: dynamic taping and no taping. Participants completed a maximal isometric back extensor strength test, three muscle endurance tests (Biering-Sorensen, kneeling forward lean, and repetitive lifting), and two LBP questionnaires (visual analog scale [VAS] and Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire 2 [FABQ2]) in each scenario. MicroFET2 was used to assess back extensor strength. Electromyography (EMG) was performed to determine peak or mean values and median frequencies of the erector spinae muscle before and after endurance tests. Total endurance test durations and posttest VAS scores were recorded. FABQ2 scores were evaluated again 3 days after taping.

Results: The results of the paired t test revealed that dynamic taping significantly improved performance in the kneeling forward lean test (p < 0.01) and increased maximum isometric strength (p < 0.01). Furthermore, dynamic taping reduced VAS scores after three endurance tests (all p < 0.01) and FABQ2 score (p = 0.03). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant time effects in the Biering-Sorensen on average EMG activation (p < 0.01) and median frequencies during fatigue monitoring (p < 0.01). Significant time effects were also found in the kneeling forward lean test on median frequencies (p < 0.01). In addition, significant interaction effects were found in the Biering-Sorensen test on average EMG activation (p < 0.01) and in the kneeling forward lean test on median frequencies (p < 0.01). Compared with the no-taping group, the taping group exhibited a more significant decrease in erector spinae muscle activity and maintained median frequencies during fatigue tests.

Conclusion: The use of dynamic tape significantly enhanced maximum isometric strength, improved performance in work-related endurance tests without increasing muscle activity, and reduced FABQ2 scores among semiconductor engineers with recurrent LBP.