Investigating the Effects of Adding Kinesio Taping to Diaphragm Strengthening Exercises on Pain, Function, Core Muscle Endurance, Agility, and Balance in Female Athletes with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study Protocol

Background: Chronic non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting athletes. While core muscle strengthening is effective in managing NS-LBP, the role of the diaphragm in spinal stability is often overlooked. Kinesio taping may enhance muscle function; however, its efficacy when combined with diaphragm strengthening exercises has not been explored in female athletes with NS-LBP. This study aims to investigate the effects of adding Kinesio taping to diaphragm strengthening exercises on pain, function, core muscle endurance, agility, and balance in this population.Methods: This protocol describes a single-blind randomized controlled trial that will recruit 32 female recreational athletes aged 30–50 years with chronic NS-LBP. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: diaphragm-strengthening exercises with Kinesio taping (experimental group) or diaphragm-strengthening exercises alone (control group). The intervention will be conducted over 4 weeks. Outcome measures will include: pain (Numerical Rating Scale), function (Oswestry Disability Index and Athlete Disability Index), core muscle endurance (Prone Bridge Test, Side Bridge Test, Unilateral Hip Bridge Endurance Test, Feet Elevated Side Support Test), balance (Single Leg Stance Test, Y Balance Test), and agility (Illinois Agility Test). Assessments will be performed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 2-week follow-up.Results: The study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of combining Kinesio taping with diaphragm strengthening exercises in female athletes with NS-LBP.Conclusion: Findings may guide clinical practice by determining whether this combined approach yields superior outcomes compared to diaphragm exercises alone.