Effect of Kinesio taping versus mechanical cervical traction combined with physiotherapy program on chronic neck pain in young female university students

Background: Mechanical neck pain is common among young female university students and can lead to disability and reduced physical activity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Kinesio taping (KT) to mechanical cervical traction (MCT) on young female university students with chronic neck pain. Methods: Sixty young female university students with mechanical neck pain participated in this study; their ages ranged from 19 years to 23 years. They were assigned to three equal groups: the control group (A) received infrared, massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises three days per week for 6 weeks. Experimental group B received cervical traction in addition to the same program as the control, and experimental group C received KT in addition to the same program as the control group. Absolute pain intensity by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) were measured pre-and post-treatment intervention. Data were gathered at baseline, and after 6 weeks of intervention for three groups. Results: The MANOVA test showed a significant reduction in NDI and pain level after 6 weeks between pre-and post-treatment intervention in group B ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively). There was a significant reduction in pain after 6 weeks in group C. There was also a significant reduction in NDI and pain level after 6 weeks in group B versus control group ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively). In addition, a significant reduction in pain level and NDI after 6 weeks was detected in group B compared to group C ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively) while a significant reduction in pain level only between the control group (A) and group C was detected ([Formula: see text]). Conclusion: In young female university students with mechanical neck pain, cervical traction combined with physiotherapy program was found to be more effective than KT with physiotherapy program or physiotherapy program alone in reducing pain and enhancing functional abilities after 6 weeks. This will help physiotherapists make more informed decisions concerning the clinical effects of MCT.