Effects of postural taping on pain, function and quality of life following osteoporotic vertebral fractures—A feasibility trial

Palmer, Shea; Barnett, Sue; Cramp, Mary; Berry, Alice; Thomas, Amanda; Clark, Emma M

Abstract

Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Objective: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are common and present a significant burden to patients and healthcare services. Poor posture can increase vertebral pressure, pain and the risk of further fractures. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of postural taping on pain, function and quality of life when used in addition to usual care. Methods: A feasibility randomized, controlled trial was carried out in men and women with at least one clinically diagnosed painful OVF. Participants were randomly allocated to use an adhesive postural taping device at home for 4weeks or to continue with usual care. Outcomes assessed at baseline and 4weeks included pain at rest and on movement (visual analogue scales [VASs]), and function and quality of life (Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis [QUALEFFO]). Health resource use and acceptability were explored using a specifically designed questionnaire. Results: Twenty-four participants completed the trial (taping, n=13; control, n=11). Groups were comparable in age, although the control group contained more men (n=3 versus n=0) and scored slightly lower on most outcome measures at baseline. Descriptive analysis favoured the taping group for most outcome measures. Effect sizes were small to medium (0.37, 0.45 and 0.66 for VAS rest, VAS movement and QUALEFFO, respectively). Conclusions: The taping device demonstrated potential to improve pain and function. However, the findings need to be replicated in an appropriately powered study. The study procedures were largely acceptable. A more extensive pilot trial is recommended prior to a definitive trial.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 23, 2018
• Online Publication Date: May 28, 2018
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Apr 23, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 28, 2019
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 345-352
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1350
• Keywords: orthotic tape, osteoporosis, pain, spinal fractures
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/860005
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1350
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Palmer, S., Barnett, S., Cramp, M., Berry, A., Thomas, A. and Clark, E. M. (2018) Effects of postural taping on pain, function and quality of life following osteoporotic vertebral fractures – a feasibility trial. Musculoskeletal Care. ISSN 1478-2189], which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1350. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
• Contract Date: Apr 23, 2018