The effect of laser and taping on pain, functional status and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A placebo-randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Conservative treatments have been proved to be effective to control pain and optimize function in fibromyalgia, however there is need for scientific evidence to make better clinical application across various physiotherapy applications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Laser and taping applications on pain, flexibility, anxiety, depression, functional status and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: Forty-five female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome were included to the study and randomly allocated into three treatment groups; Laser (n = 15), placebo Laser (n = 15), and taping applications (n = 15). Visual analogue scale for pain intensity, trunk flexibility, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire for functional status, Short Form 36 Questionnaire for quality of life and health status, and Beck Depression Inventory for anxiety level were evaluated before and after three weeks interventions. RESULTS: There were decreased pain severity in activity (p = 0.028), anxiety level (p = 0.01) and improved general health status, quality of life (p = 0.01) found at Laser group, whereas there were increased trunk flexibility, flexion (p = 0.03), extension (p = 0.02) found at taping group. After interventions, there were decreased pain severity for whole groups at night for Laser group (p = 0.04), placebo Laser group (p = 0.001), taping group (p = 0.01) and improved functional status found for Laser group (p = 0.001), placebo Laser group (p = 0.001), taping group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiotape application had a similar effect on parameters in FMS patient, so this method could be preferred instead of Laser application for rehabilitation program.