Context:There is a lack of research on the effects of scapular tape on shoulder joint repositioning. Objective: To quantify the effects of scapular taping on shoulder joint repositioning during flexion and abduction. Design: Repeated measures before and after trial. Setting: Academic institution. Participants: 36 subjects without shoulder pathology. Intervention: Scapular taping with flexion and abduction. Main Outcome Measures: Lateral scapular slide test, plumb-line assessment, and a depth measurement. Absolute error in joint repositioning in flexion and abduction at 3 angles with and without scapular taping was measured. Results: No differences were found for tape vs no tape in flexion (P = .92) or abduction (P = .40) or between winging and nonwinging subjects in flexion (P = .62) or abduction (P= .91). Conclusions: Scapular taping has no effect on joint repositioning during active shoulder flexion or abduction. Scapular winging does not affect active joint repositioning after scapular taping.

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