The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio Tape (KT) on scapular kinematics with different external loads in healthy subjects. Twenty-three subjects performed abduction, scaption and flexion of their shoulders in three conditions: (1) no load (2) dumbbell and (3) elastic band resistance. KT was applied (I-shaped) over the upper trapezius muscle, and scapula kinematic data was captured and analyzed based on Euler angles. The situations and interactions of the different loads and KT were compared using a repeated measures two-way ANOVA. KT decreased the upward rotation during the movements of abduction, scaption and flexion of the shoulder. There was an effect of load in all evaluated movements, but there was no interaction between the load and the KT. It can be concluded that KT and load showed effects on scapula kinematics. Regardless of the load condition (no load, dumbbell or elastic resistance), the effects of the KT on scapula kinematics will be the same in healthy subjects.

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Introduction: Scapular dyskinesis is an abnormality in scapula static or dynamic position. There are several techniques for scapular dyskinesis conservative treatment, including Kinesio Tape application, which is used to promote and support scapula joint alignment, decrease pain and improve local muscle control. Objective. To investigate the effect of kinesio tape on scapular kinematics in subjects with scapular dyskinesis. Methods. Fourteen subjects with scapular dyskinesis performed flexion and scaption movements in two conditions: (1) without load and (2) holding a dumbbell. A scapular tape was applied over the lower trapezius (Y shaped) muscle with a 20% tension. Kinematic data were captured with 10 infrared cameras and analyzed based on Euler angles, peak values of upward rotation, internal rotation, and posterior tilt angles. To compare the situations with and without kinesio tape the repeated measures two-way ANOVAs (? = 0.05) was performed using SPSS software. Results. Scapular tape increase upward rotation and posterior tilt during flexion of the shoulder. No interaction (Load x KT) was found during flexion, suggesting that KT effect in the peak values is the same, regardless the load condition. Scapular tape decreases internal rotation during scaption and a significant interaction was found between load x KT, suggesting the effect of using KT could depend the load used during this movement. Conclusions. The results suggest that kinesio tape may can be use as assistant to increase upward rotation, posterior tilt and decrease internal rotation in scapular dyskinesis subjects.

Introdução: A bandagem elástica é uma fita elástica adesiva utilizada na prevenção e reabilitação do complexo do ombro. Entretanto, existem divergências na literatura sobre seus efeitos na atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos periescapulares durante exercícios com carga. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da bandagem elástica na atividade eletromiográfica de músculos periescapulares durante o movimento de flexão do ombro sem carga e com halter em indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Vinte e seis indivíduos do sexo masculino realizaram o movimento de flexão do ombro sem carga e com halter com a bandagem elástica sobre o trapézio descendente. Foram avaliadas as atividades eletromiográficas de trapézio descendente, trapézio ascendente e serrátil anterior. São comparados os valores de pico e RMS em percentual da contração isométrica voluntária máxima através da ANOVA One Way. Resultados: Na flexão de ombro com halter ocorreu diminuição do pico da atividade eletromiográfica do trapézio descendente (p = 0,035). Não houve influência sobre os demais músculos periescapulares (p > 0,05). Conclusão: A bandagem elástica diminuiu o pico da atividade eletromiográfica do trapézio descendente durante a flexão do ombro com halter. Pode-se aplicar este resultado na prevenção de indivíduos que podem tender a aumentar a atividade do trapézio descendente.