Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Scapular Reposition Accuracy, Kinematics, and Muscle Activity in Athletes With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Our study identified the positive effects of KT on scapular joint position sense and movement control. Future studies with a longer period of follow-up and clinical measurement might help to clarify the clinical effect and mechanisms of elastic taping in individuals with SIS.

Comparing the effects of no intervention with therapeutic exercise, and exercise with additional Kinesio tape in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. A three-arm randomized controlled trial

“…30 Lower trapezius taping showed a significant increase in scapular posterior tilt in baseball players with shoulder impingement syndrome. 31…”

“…30 Lower trapezius taping showed a significant increase in scapular posterior tilt in baseball players with shoulder impingement syndrome. 31 Moreover, the relation between the shoulder proprioception and kinematic has been previously described. [31][32][33] Shih et al 31 concluded that taping-associated immediate improvement in scapular reposition sense was accompanied by enhanced scapular kinematics including increased scapular posterior tilt and scapular upward rotation during arm elevation in the scapular plane.…”

“…31 Moreover, the relation between the shoulder proprioception and kinematic has been previously described. [31][32][33] Shih et al 31 concluded that taping-associated immediate improvement in scapular reposition sense was accompanied by enhanced scapular kinematics including increased scapular posterior tilt and scapular upward rotation during arm elevation in the scapular plane. Although we did not assess shoulder proprioception in the current study, it can hypothetically be indicated that kinematic outcomes improvement in therapeutic exercise with Kinesio tape group might be partly due to enhanced joint proprioception in the direction of scapular tilt and upward/ downward rotation.…”

Technology Used in the Prevention and Treatment of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in the Overhead Athlete

“…In terms of scapular mechanics, there have been numerous studies showing that rigid and elastic taping methods can improve scapular kinematics in the sagittal and scapular planes [7][8][9][10]. In patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, kinesiotaping of the scapula seems to decrease the activity in the upper trapezius during shoulder abduction leading to reduced functional impingement with overhead activities [10].…”

“…Specifically in baseball players with subacromial impingement, a randomized study between elastic taping and placebo taping showed that elastic taping resulted in positive changes in scapular motion and muscle performance [8]. Another randomized study in overhead athletes with subacromial impingement syndrome showed that elastic taping can have positive effects on scapular joint position sense and movement control [9]. While the results of these studies in overhead athletes seem to support the use of elastic taping as a treatment aid in managing shoulder impingement problems, future studies with a longer period of follow-up and clinical measurement might help to clarify the clinical effect and mechanisms of elastic taping in these patient populations.…”