Galley Proof 14/12/2018; 9:19 File: bmr–1-bmr181156.tex; BOKCTP/xjm p. 1 Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation -1 (2018) 1–10 1 DOI 10.3233/BMR-181156 IOS Press Effect of repeated application of rigid tape on pain and mobility deficits associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction Neama H. Neamat Allah a,b,* , Susan M. Sigward b , Ghada A. Mohamed a , Salam M. Elhafez a and Ihab M. Emran c a Division of Biomechanics, School of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza 12612, Egypt b Human Performance Laboratory, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA c Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kasr Al Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11559, Egypt Abstract. BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) accounts for up to 30% of patients with low back pain. Rigid taping tech- niques are often used for conservative treatment of SIJD related symptoms; however, its effectiveness has not been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of rigid tape on pain, malalignment and mobility deficits associated with anterior innominate SIJD. METHODS: Two groups (n = 37; experimental and control) diagnosed with SIJD participated in a randomized, controlled trial. Tape was applied for 2 weeks in the experimental group, whereas the control group received no treatment. 2 × 2 (group × time) GLM-MANOVA assessed effects of tape on pain; innominate rotation; and hip rotation range of motion. Chi-square and McNemar tests assessed the effect of tape on Gillet and Sitting forward flexion mobility tests; the Patrick, Posterior shear and Gaenslen pain provocation tests were used to test pain. Variables were assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) two weeks. RESULTS: No group differences were observed for any variable PRE. Pain intensity and innominate rotation (p< 0.05) and number of positive mobility and pain provocation tests (p< 0.05) decreased from PRE versus POST in the experimental group. No differences were observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: Two weeks of rigid tape for anterior innominate correction successfully reduced symptoms related to SIJD. Keywords: Sacroiliac joint, malalignment, mobility deficits, pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, rigid tape 1. Introduction 1 The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) adjoins the lumbar spine 2 and pelvis to absorb shock during weight bearing 3 tasks and provides mobility during lumbar spine and 4 hip motions [1]. SIJ pain is a term used to describe 5 pain in or around the joints formed by the sacrum 6 * Corresponding author: Neama H. Neamat Allah, Division of Biomechanics, School of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, 7 Ahmed El Zaiat St., Bein El Sarayat, Giza, 12612, Egypt. Tel.: +20 237617691; E-mail: neama.hamed@pt.cu.edu.eg. and innominate bilaterally [2]. SIJ pain has been re- 7 ported to account for 13% to 30% of patients with 8 low back pain (LBP) [3,4]. Pain is presumed to be 9 caused by malalignment or abnormal movement of the 10 joints [5–7]. Due to the multi-segmental innervation of 11 the SIJ [7], pain arising from the joint may refer to 12 the lower lumbar region [8], buttock [6,8] and lower 13 limbs [3,8]. SIJ related pain can be provoked with pro- 14 longed sitting or standing, ambulation and transition 15 from sitting to standing which can inhibit activities 16 of daily living and occupational requirements [9]. The 17 challenge of treating SIJ pain is reflected in the num- 18 ISSN 1053-8127/18/$35.00 c  2018 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved uncorrected proof version