Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of balance taping therapy on neck pain in high school students.
METHODS
The study employed a randomized control group pretest-posttest design with four-time repeated measures. Data were collected from 62 high school students with neck pain. The experimental group (n=31) took balance taping therapy for six days with appropriate position and stretching education while the control group (n=31) applied patches including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for six days with appropriate position and stretching education. Neck pain, cervical range of motion (CROM) and neck disability were measured at pretest, day one, day three and day six which was the posttest day.
RESULTS
For the experimental group, the neck pain was significantly improved on all three days (F=16.82, p<.001), and extension and right lateral flexion of the CROMs were significantly improved over time compared to the control group (F=3.85, p=.011; F=2.71, p=.047, respectively). Neck disability was also improved in the experimental group compared to the control group (F=8.64, p<.001).
CONCLUSION
The balance taping therapy was an efficient intervention for high school students with neck pain. Nurses could apply non-pharmacological interventions such as balance taping therapy without pharmacological side effects.