Effects of lengthwise postural taping for lumbar spine rotation with flexion syndrome: a case report

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of lengthwise postural taping on a patient having lumbar spine rotation with flexion syndrome during prolonged periods of sitting. [Subject and Methods] The subject was a 22-year-old woman who had developed transient low back pain in the lumbo-pelvic region. The subject was asked to sit in a chair during 30 minutes of computer work under three conditions: no taping, extensive lumbo-pelvic region taping, and lengthwise lumbo-pelvic region taping. The center of force and mean peak gluteal pressure were measured using a TekScan system. [Results] With extensive taping, the AP center of force progressively decreased after 10, 20, and 30 min, while the ML center of force differed only slightly by time point. With lengthwise taping, the ML and AP center of force decreased after 20 min. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that lengthwise taping is a useful method for patients having lumbar rotation with flexion syndrome to prevent slumped sitting posture and excessive pressure on the gluteal muscles.