The Effects of the Application of Not-Stretchable Tapes before and after Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

The aim of this study is comparing the effects of taping application before and after stabilization exercise on the level of pain and muscle activation in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Group A (n=10) performed 30-min scapular stabilization exercise. Group B (n=10) performed 30-min scapular stabilization exercise with taping before therapy. Group C (n=10) was provided with taping therapy only after 30-min scapular stabilization exercise. Subjects were measured for pain on a visual analog scale and pressure pain threshold, and were tested for muscle activation on electromyogram. There were significant changes of the level of pain among three groups (p<0.05). Intergroup difference of PPT and VAS was bigger in taping applying group before stabilization exercise than other groups. There were significant changes of EMG on upper trapezius muscle among three groups (p<0.05). The intergroup difference of upper trapezius muscle activation was bigger in taping applying group before stabilization exercise than other groups (p<0.05). Taping application before stabilization exercise can be said to be effective at reducing the pain and preventing the over activity of upper trapezius muscle.