The effects of scapular taping on electromyographic muscle activity and proprioception feedback in healthy shoulders

Elastic Tape Improved Shoulder Joint Position Sense in Chronic Hemiparetic Subjects: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Crossover Study

Background

Elastic tape has been widely used in clinical practice in order to improve upper limb (UL) sensibility. However, there is little evidence that supports this type of intervention in stroke patients.

Objective

To verify the effect of elastic tape, applied to the paretic shoulder, on joint position sense (JPS) during abduction and flexion in subjects with chronic hemiparesis compared to sham tape (non-elastic tape). Furthermore, to verify if this potential effect is correlated to shoulder subluxation measurements and sensorimotor impairment.

Methods

A crossover and sham-controlled study was conducted with post-stroke patients who were randomly allocated into two groups: 1) those who received Sham Tape (ST) first and after one month they received Elastic Tape (ET); 2) those who received Elastic Tape (ET) first and after one month they received Sham Tape (ST). The JPS was evaluated using a dynamometer. The absolute error for shoulder abduction and flexion at 30° and 60° was calculated. Sensorimotor impairment was determined by Fugl-Meyer, and shoulder subluxation was measured using a caliper.

Results

Thirteen hemiparetic subjects (average time since stroke 75.23 months) participated in the study. At baseline (before interventions), the groups were not different for abduction at 30° (p = 0.805; p = 0.951), and 60° (p = 0.509; p = 0.799), or flexion at 30° (p = 0.872; p = 0.897) and 60° (p = 0.853; p = 0.970). For the ET group, differences between pre and post-elastic tape for abduction at 30° (p<0.010) and 60° (p<0.010), and flexion at 30° p<0.010) and 60° (p<0.010) were observed. For the ST group, differences were also observed between pre and post-elastic tape for abduction at 30° (p<0.010) and 60° (p<0.010), and flexion at 30° (p<0.010,) and 60° (p<0.010). Potential effects were only correlated with shoulder subluxation during abduction at 30° (p = 0.001, r = -0.92) and 60° (p = 0.020, r = -0.75).

Conclusion

Elastic tape improved shoulder JPS of subjects with chronic hemiparesis regardless of the level of UL sensorimotor impairment. However, this improvement was influenced by the subluxation degree at abduction.

Kinesiology Tape or Compression Sleeve Applied to the Thigh Does Not Improve Balance or Muscle Activation Before or Following Fatigue

Cavanaugh, MT, Quigley, PJ, Hodgson, DD, Reid, JC, and Behm, DG. Kinesiology tape or compression sleeve applied to the thigh does not improve balance or muscle activation before or following fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1992-2000, 2016-Compression sleeves (CS) and kinesiology tape (KT) are purported to enhance proprioception, however, there is substantial conflict in the literature. Because the beneficial effects of CS and KT are more evident in the literature with recovery, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of CS and KT on balance under acute nonfatigued and postfatigued conditions. Using a within-subject, repeated-measures design, 12 university participants (5 females and 7 males) performed in a random order CS, KT, and Control conditions. Two trials of each test were conducted before the application of CS or KT (pretest 1), immediately after the application (pretest 2), with posttests at 1 and 10 minutes after 4 sets of unilateral Bulgarian squats to failure (1 minute rest between sets). Tests included a Y balance test (measures: distance reached by nondominant foot in anterior, posterior lateral, and posterior medial directions) and drop jump landing balance test from a 50-cm platform (measures: ground reaction force, electromyography, and center of pressure). The fatigue protocol induced 25.3% decrease in unilateral squat repetitions from set 1 to set 4. There were no significant condition main effects or interactions for any balance measure or EMG before or after fatigue. In conclusion, independent of fatigue, there was no significant effect of CS or KT on balance outcomes immediately and up to 10 minutes following the fatiguing intervention. Thus, nonfatigued or muscles weakened by fatigue did not benefit from CS and KT application.

Longer application of kinesio taping would be beneficial for exercise-induced muscle damage

Kinesio taping (KT) has been widely used to prevent muscle pain and to improve range of motion in clinical settings. However, no previous research has examined how long KT should be applied to muscle following damaging exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the duration of KT application on markers of muscle damage following eccentric exercise. Thirty-two male subjects participated in the study and were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control (CON), KT-post, KT-30 min, or KT-24 hr. Eccentric exercise consisted of 2 sets of 25 contractions of elbow flexors using the non-dominant arm. Maximal isometric strength, muscle soreness (SOR), range of motion, and creatine kinase activity were measured before, immediately after, and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after exercise. The KT-24 hr group showed lesser muscle damage and a faster recovery time than the CON and KT-post groups. Both the KT-30 min and KT-24 hr groups showed lesser SOR than CON and KT-post groups. These findings suggested that prolonged application of KT had a positive effect on markers of muscle damage.

Therapeutic Taping for Scapular Stabilization in Children With Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

OBJECTIVE. In this study, we aimed to assess whether therapeutic taping for scapular stabilization affected scapulothoracic, glenohumeral, and humerothoracic joint function in children with brachial plexus birth palsy and scapular winging.

METHOD. Motion capture data were collected with and without therapeutic taping to assist the middle and lower trapezius in seven positions for 26 children. Data were compared with one-way multivariate analyses of variance.

RESULTS. With therapeutic taping, scapular winging decreased considerably in all positions except abduction. Additionally, there were increased glenohumeral cross-body adduction and internal rotation angles in four positions. The only change in humerothoracic function was an increase of 3° of external rotation in the external rotation position.

CONCLUSION. Therapeutic taping for scapular stabilization resulted in a small but statistically significant decrease in scapular winging. Overall performance of positions was largely unchanged. The increased glenohumeral joint angles with therapeutic taping may be beneficial for joint development; however, the long-term impact remains unknown.

Upper limb joint position sense during shoulder flexion in healthy individuals: a pilot study to develop a new assessment method

BACKGROUND

Altered shoulder joint position sense (JPS) following shoulder injury has been demonstrated in the literature and may increase the risk of injury. A JPS assessment targeting the shoulder will provide the clinician with an objective marker. The present study aimed to develop an assessment method of JPS using an active relocation test (ART).

METHODS

In total, 40 healthy participants were recruited. A laser-pointer attached to the index finger during an ART allowed measurement (mm) of JPS by measuring the distance between the target and relocated position. Participants were blindfolded and stood an arm's length (approximately 1 m) away from the wall. Whilst keeping the wrist in neutral and elbow extended, the participant actively moved to the target position (90° glenohumeral flexion), held for 5 seconds, returned their arm to their side and actively returned to the target position. A mean was calculated from three trials to provide an ART score.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) dominant and nondominant ART score was 89.2 (SD 35.5) mm (95% confidence interval = 77.87 mm to 100.5 mm) and 94.1 (34.5) mm (95% confidence interval = 83.1 mm to 105.2 mm), respectively. Arm dominance did not significantly affect ART scores.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference was demonstrated between the dominant and nondominant arm using an ART assessing JPS acuity. Further studies are needed to establish inter-rater and intra-rater reliability.

Kinesio taping of the deltoid does not reduce fatigue induced deficits in shoulder joint position sense

BACKGROUND

Muscle fatigue is known to decrease shoulder proprioceptive acuity, potentially contributing to injuries. It has been suggested that Kinesio taping can improve proprioception. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping on shoulder joint position sense after muscle fatigue.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy subjects were evaluated in a randomized, crossover, single-blind study design. Shoulder joint position sense was assessed during active repositioning tests at the target angles of 50°, 70° and 90° of arm elevation in scapular plane, in three sessions: control (no taping), Kinesio taping (Kinesio taping applied over the deltoid muscle with tension) and sham (Kinesio taping applied over deltoid without tension). Joint position sense was assessed three times: before taping; following taping application or rest, in the control session; and following a fatigue protocol. The constant error (repositioned angle-target angle) was considered for statistical analysis, using a 3-way repeated-measure ANOVA (within subject factors: taping, time and target angle).

FINDINGS

There was no interaction or main effect involving taping. An interaction between time and angle was found and the simple effect showed that the constant error increased following fatigue at 70° and 90°, but not at 50°.

INTERPRETATION

The results of this study does not support the use of Kinesio taping applied over the deltoid muscle for compensating or preventing shoulder joint position sense deficits caused by muscle fatigue of shoulder abductors.

Effects of Crossed Brassiere Straps on Pain, Range of Motion, and Electromyographic Activity of Scapular Upward Rotators in Women With Scapular Downward Rotation Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Scapular downward rotation syndrome manifests as an abnormally downward-rotated scapula at rest or with arm motion and typically results in neck and shoulder pain. The brassiere strap has been suggested as a possible contributing factor to scapula downward rotation and pain in the upper trapezius because of increased downward rotational force on the lateral aspect of the scapula. No study, however, has examined the influences of a modified brassiere strap on pain in and the function of the scapular muscles.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of crossed brassiere straps on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper trapezius, neck rotation range of motion (ROM), and electromyographic activity of the scapular upward rotators in females with scapular downward rotation syndrome.

DESIGN

Cross-over design.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 15 female subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome were recruited at hospitals and a local university.

METHODS

All participants performed neck rotation and humeral elevation under 2 different conditions: parallel and crossed brassiere straps.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The PPT of the upper trapezius was measured using an analog algometer, whereas neck rotation ROM was quantified with a 3-dimensional ultrasonic motion analysis system. The electromyographic activities of the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, and lower trapezius during humeral elevation were assessed with a surface electromyography system. Outcome measures were assessed under parallel and crossed brassiere strap conditions, and differences in outcomes between the conditions were analyzed using a paired t-test.

RESULTS

The PPT and neck rotation ROM were increased when the subject was wearing the brassiere with crossed versus parallel straps (P < .001). Greater electromyographic activities of the serratus anterior, lower trapezius, and lesser upper trapezius muscles during humeral elevation were found under the crossed strap condition than the parallel strap condition (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide useful information for clinicians when designing management programs to decrease pain and improve biomechanical function for females with scapular downward rotation syndrome.

Do ergogenic AIDS alter lower extremity joint alignment during a functional movement lunge prior to and following an exercise bout?

Ergogenic aids have been used to alter joint kinematics in an attempt to minimise injury risk, yet the effectiveness of these aids may be compromised following a bout of exercise. This preliminary study aimed to measure the effect of compression garments and Kinesio Tape® on lower extremity joint alignment prior to and following an exercise bout. Eight male athletes (age = 24.1 ± 3.0 years, body height = 177.4 ± 5.2 cm, body mass = 72.3 ± 7.2 kg) volunteered to participant in this study. Joint kinematics were recorded whilst all participants performed three rotational lunges, in three conditions (control, compression garment, Kinesio Tape®), prior to and following a 10 minute exercise bout. Frontal plane kinematics (lateral pelvic tilt, knee valgus, ankle inversion/eversion) were used to assess ergogenic aid effectiveness during the lunge. Participants exhibited no significant differences in joint kinematics between ergogenic aid conditions prior to the exercise bout. Following exercise the only significant difference occurred within the Kinesio Tape® condition where maximum knee valgus angle significantly increased from 6.5° prior to exercise, to 7.7° following the exercise bout. The results of this study suggest joint kinematics are not affected by the ergogenic aids in this study prior to an exercise bout. However, there is evidence to suggest that the application of Kinesio Tape® may allow an increase in knee valgus angle following a bout of exercise, yet, compression garments are effective at maintaining joint alignment following a bout of exercise.

Neuromuscular taping for the upper limb in Cerebral Palsy: A case study in a patient with hemiplegia

OBJECTIVE

To assess quantitatively the effects of Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) on the upper limb in a female child with left hemiplegia, due to Cerebral Palsy (CP).

METHODS

The patient underwent NMT on cervical level, shoulder and hand only of the plegic upper limb, followed by physical therapy. Kinematic data of upper limbs during reaching task were collected before (PRE) and after 2 weeks of treatment (POST).

RESULTS

After the intervention, the affected limb improved in terms of movement duration, Average Jerk and Number of Unit Movements indices, indicating a faster, smoother and less segmented movement. Improvements appeared at the ranges of motion of the upper limb joints, both at shoulder and elbow joints. No significant changes were globally displayed for the unaffected arm.

CONCLUSION

NMT seems to be a promising intervention for improving upper limb movement in patients with CP. Further investigations are certainly needed to assess effectively the effects of the intervention in this pathological state.

A pilot study of the effect of Kinesiology tape on knee proprioception after physical activity in healthy women

OBJECTIVES

Kinesiology tape has gained significant popularity in recent years and is widely used as an adjunct for treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. However, evidence regarding its influence on knee proprioception is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kinesiology tape on knee proprioception after physical activity in healthy women. It was hypothesized that Kinesiology tape enhances knee proprioception.

DESIGN

Longitudinal analysis, pretest-posttest design.

METHODS

Twelve young women with healthy knees were tested for knee proprioception without the use of Kinesiology tape and wearing Kinesiology tape at the knee. The joint position sense was measured at the start and after a 30-min uphill walking protocol on a treadmill. Outcome was the knee angle deviation.

RESULTS

No significant difference of proprioceptive performance between the application with Kinesiology tape and without Kinesiology tape was found after uphill walking (p > 0.05). However, when the participants' results for knee angle deviation were graded into good (< 6.1°) and poor ( > 6.1°), Kinesiology tape significantly enhanced those with poor proprioceptive ability after uphill walking, compared to the untaped knee (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that the application of Kinesiology tape did not improve knee proprioception in a group of healthy young women. However, it also has demonstrated that Kinesiology tape provided significant proprioceptive enhancement at the knee joint after uphill walking in healthy women with poor proprioceptive ability. This may support its use in sports medicine for preventing knee injuries.

The mechanical effect of kinesiology tape on rounded shoulder posture in seated male workers: a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study

STUDY DESIGN

Single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the changes in pectoralis minor length (PML), the supine measurement of rounded shoulder posture (RSP), and the total scapular distance (TSD) in seated male workers with RSP, after rounded-shoulder-taping (RST) using kinesiology tape with (experimental taping) and without stretch (placebo taping).

BACKGROUND

RSP, a postural impairment, is a known cause of upper quarter pain.

METHODS

Fourteen men with RSP, who worked for at least 7 h/d in a seated position, were selected for RST, with the shoulders randomly assigned to two kinesiology taping methods: (1) with 35-40% stretch of its original length; and (2) without stretch. The PML, supine measurements of RSP, and TSD, before and after kinesiology taping, with and without stretch, were assessed.

RESULTS

Kinesiology taping with stretch significantly increased the PML and significantly decreased the supine measurement of RSP and TSD; kinesiology taping without stretch did not increase the PML significantly and did not decrease the supine measurement of RSP and TSD.

CONCLUSION

RST using kinesiology tape with stretch produces immediate mechanical correction of RSP in seated male workers.

Comparison between Kinesio Taping and a Traditional Physical Therapy Program in Treatment of Nonspecific Low Back Pain

[Purpose] Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a very common but largely self-limiting condition. Several types of tape and their associated application methods are available for different conditions. The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of Kinesio taping (KT) compared with traditional management of NSLBP. [Subjects and Methods] Forty male and female patients with a mean age of 34.8±7.54 years were randomly divided into two groups; group 1 (n=20) which underwent conventional physical therapy with KT, and group 2 (n=20), which underwent only conventional physical therapy. The intervention sessions for both groups were three times per week for four weeks. Outcomes were assessed for activities of daily living (ADL) using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, pain severity using a visual analogue scale, and ranges of motion (ROMs) of trunk flexion and extension using the modified Schober's test. [Results] Significant differences in measures of pain, ADL, and trunk flexion and extension ROMs were observed post intervention within each group. In comparison, there were no significant differences in measures of pain, ADL, and trunk flexion and extension ROMs post intervention between groups. [Conclusion] A physical therapy program involving strengthening exercises for abdominal muscles and stretching exercises for back, hamstring, and iliopsoas muscles with or without Kinesio taping was beneficial in the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Somatosensory inputs by application of KinesioTaping: effects on spasticity, balance, and gait in chronic spinal cord injury

INTRODUCTION

Leg paralysis, spasticity, reduced interlimb coordination, and impaired balance are the chief limitations to overground ambulation in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). In recent years, the application of KinesioTaping (KT) has been proposed to enhance sensory inputs, decreasing spasticity by proprioception feedback and relieving abnormal muscle tension. Because no studies have examined KT-based techniques in SCI subjects, our goal was to analyze the effects of ankle joint KT on spasticity, balance, and gait.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized crossover case control design was used to compare the effects of KT and conventional nonelastic silk tape (ST) in 11 chronic SCI subjects, AIS level D, with soleus/gastrocnemius (S/G) muscle spasticity and balance and gait impairments.

TREATMENT

48 h of treatment with KT or ST was followed by 48 h with the other technique after 1 week. A single Y-strip of Cure(©) tape (KT) and ST was to the S and G muscles with 0% stretch. Before and 48 h after of application of KT and ST, clinical data on the range of motion (ROM), spasticity, clonus, pain, balance, and gait were collected. Stabilometric platform assessment of center of pressure (COP) movements; bidimensional gait analysis; and recording of electromyographic (EMG) activity of the S, G, and tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis lungus muscles were also performed.

RESULTS

Only KT had significant effects on spasticity (p < 0.05), clonus (p < 0.001) and COP movements (p < 0.05), kinematic gait parameters (p < 0.001), and EMG activity (p < 0.001). Comparison between ST and KT improvements pointed out significant differences as concerns ROM (p < 0.001), spasticity (p < 0.001), clonus (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.001), COP parameters (p < 0.05), and most kinematic gait data (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Short-term application of KT reduces spasticity and pain and improves balance and gait in chronic SCI subjects. Although these data are promising, they require confirmation in a larger cohort of patients.

Effect of posterior pelvic tilt taping in women with sacroiliac joint pain during active straight leg raising who habitually wore high-heeled shoes: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess whether a 1-day application of posterior pelvic tilt taping (PPTT) using a kinesiology tape would decrease anterior pelvic tilt and active straight leg raising test scores in women with sacroiliac joint who habitually wore high-heeled shoes.

METHODS

Sixteen women (mean age, 23.63 ± 3.18 years) were enrolled in this study. Anterior pelvic tilt was measured using a palpation meter before PPTT application, immediately after PPTT application, 1 day after PPTT application, and immediately after PPTT removal after 1 day of application. Active straight leg raising scores were measured at the same periods. Posterior pelvic tilt taping was applied in the target position (posterior pelvic tilt position).

RESULTS

The anterior pelvic tilt was decreased during and after 1 day of PPTT application (before and after kinesiology tape removal) compared with the initial angle (all P < .05). Active straight leg raising scores were decreased during and 1 day after PPTT application (before and after kinesiology tape removal) compared with the initial score (all P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this preliminary study suggests that PPTT may temporarily decrease anterior pelvic tilt and active straight leg raising score in women with sacroiliac joint pain who habitually wear high-heeled shoes.

Kinesiologic taping and muscular activity: a myofascial hypothesis and a randomised, blinded trial on healthy individuals

BACKGROUND

During recent years scientific research has demonstrated a growing interest in elastic and anaelastics adhesive taping techniques. However, only a few studies investigating the principles behind the effects of taping. At present, the action mechanisms of kinesiology taping remain speculative.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of taping application on the tone of the pectoralis major muscle at rest, in absence of any relevant pathologies.

METHODS AND MEASURES

The study involved a prospective, randomised and blinded clinical trial on healthy individuals and a repeated measures study design. Two different taping techniques (facilitatory and inhibitory) were applied over the pectoralis major of 24 healthy volunteers. The outcome measure was passive range of motion of external rotation of the glenohumeral joint.

RESULTS

Facilitatory taping significatively enhanced the activity of the underlying muscle. Results showed a negative correlation between facilitatory taping application and the contralateral pectoralis major length, indicating a possible effect on the muscle tone of areas outside the site of direct application. The inhibitory taping application did not produce significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

effects on ipsilateral and contralateral muscle physiology could be interpreted through the initial hypothesis of taping inducing changes in fascial stiffness. These could be transmitted along the continuing system. Further studies are needed to inform the possible uses of taping in clinical practice.

Passive and dynamic shoulder rotation range in uninjured and previously injured overhead throwing athletes and the effect of shoulder taping

OBJECTIVES

To investigate: (1) the passive and dynamic shoulder internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation range of motion (ROM) of 2 groups of asymptomatic overhead throwing athletes: one group who had never experienced shoulder symptoms and another who had shoulder symptoms >12 months ago, (2) the effect of taping on the passive and dynamic IR-ER ROM in both these groups.

DESIGN

A within-subject repeated measures analysis of variance design to determine the differences in passive and dynamic shoulder rotation range and the effect of shoulder taping on the rotation range in a group of uninjured and previously injured overhead throwing athletes.

SETTING

Academic institution sports medicine setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-six overhead throwing collegiate athletes: 17 with no history of shoulder injury and 9 with previous shoulder injury.

METHODS

Passive shoulder ROM was measured with a goniometer with the subject in the supine position. To measure dynamic ROM, the subjects sat on a chair and threw a handball into a net. An 8-camera Vicon Motion Capture system recorded markers placed on the upper limb and trunk. Dynamic ROM was calculated with inverse kinematics by using OpenSim.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Shoulder IR-ER ROM.

RESULTS

Dynamic IR-ER ROM was significantly greater than passive IR-ER ROM (P < .0001). There was no difference in passive IR-ER ROM between the uninjured and previously injured overhead throwing athletes. However, there was a significant difference in the total dynamic IR-ER ROM, whereby the overhead throwing athletes who had never experienced shoulder symptoms had less IR-ER ROM than the previously injured group (173.9° versus 196.9°, respectively; P = .049). Taping the shoulder increased the passive ROM in both groups of subjects (P < .001), increased the dynamic IR-ER ROM in the uninjured subjects, but decreased the dynamic IR-ER ROM in the previously injured subjects, although this was not statistically significant (P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

Passive IR-ER ROM is a poor indication of dynamic shoulder function. Athletes who have had a previous shoulder injury demonstrate a greater dynamic IR-ER ROM than athletes who have never had a shoulder injury. Shoulder taping decreased the dynamic range of the previously injured athlete, so that it was nearer the dynamic range of the uninjured athlete. Shoulder taping might provide increased protection for the injured athlete by decreasing the dynamic IR-ER ROM and by facilitating better shoulder and scapular muscle control. Further studies are necessary to demonstrate whether this finding is clinically significant.

Relationship between trapezius muscle activity and typing speed: taping effect

Clinically, over-activation of upper trapezius (UT) muscular activity is a common cause of symptoms in computer users. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between trapezius muscular activity and typing speed with and without taping. Twelve participants performed a typing task for 15 min with and without taping on the UT muscle. Electromyography (EMG) of the muscular activity of UT and lower trapezius (LT) was recorded. With or without taping, there was a significantly positive correlation (r = 0.40, p = 0.04) between typing speed and UT/LT. Additionally, UT and UT/LT ratios were lower with taping than without taping (difference = 5.2% and 26.9%). The LT ratio was higher with taping than without taping (difference = 5.8%). Taping can alter the muscular activity of the trapezius during typing and may have the potential to be applied in computer users to prevent over-activation of UT muscular activity. Practitioner Summary: The effect of taping was tested on typing speed and trapezius muscular activity. With or without taping, typing speed was correlated with trapezius activity. The muscle activity of the trapezius, however, was lower with taping than without taping. Thus, taping has the potential to prevent over-activation of UT muscular activity during typing.

Application of posterior pelvic tilt taping for the treatment of chronic low back pain with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and increased sacral horizontal angle

OBJECTIVE

Kinesio Taping (KT) is a therapeutic method used by physical therapists and athletic trainers in combination with other treatment techniques for various musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems. However, no research has evaluated the effect of KT in patients with low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this case was to describe the application of posterior pelvic tilt taping (PPTT) with Kinesio tape as a treatment for chronic LBP and to reduce the anterior pelvic tilt angle.

DESIGN

Case report.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The patien was a 20-year-old female amateur swimmer with a Cobb's angle (L1-S1) of 68°, a sacral horizontal angle of 45°, and pain in both medial buttock areas and sacroiliac joints. We performed PPTT with Kinesio tape for 2 weeks (six times per week for an average of 9 h each time).

RESULTS

The patient’s radiographs showed that the Cobb's angle (L1-S1) had decreased from 68° to 47° and that the sacral horizontal angle had decreased from 45° to 31°. Reductions in hypomobility or motion asymmetry, as assessed by the motion palpation test, and in pain, as measured by the pain-provocation tests, were observed. On palpation for both medial buttock areas in the prone position, the patient felt no pain. The patient experienced no pain or stiffness in the low back area while performing forward flexion in the standing position with knees fully extended when washing dishes in the sink.

CONCLUSIONS

The case study demonstrated that PPTT intervention favourably affected the pelvic inclination and sacral horizontal angle, leading to beneficial effects on sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) and medial buttock pain. Additional research on the clinical effects of this taping procedure requires greater numbers of athletes with SIJD or LBP who have inappropriate anterior pelvic tilt angles and hyperlordosis.

Treatment of chronic Achilles tendon pain by Kinesio taping in an amateur badminton player

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of Kinesio taping on a patient with chronic Achilles tendon pain.

DESIGN

Case report.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 22-year-old male amateur badminton player slipped on the ground as he landed after jumping while playing badminton, resulting in chronic Achilles tendon pain of the dominant (right) leg. We performed Achilles tendon taping (ATT) over 5 weeks.

RESULTS

The patient's ultrasonography showed that the tendon thickness was moderately reduced from 0.42 cm to 0.37 cm and that the angles of active dorsiflexion and active plantar flexion without pain increased from 15° to 20° and from 20° to 45°, respectively. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire score increased from 64 to 95, and the load-induced pain assessment score decreased from 6 to 0. The pain threshold increased from 0.8 kg to 10 kg. The tenderness at 3 kg, assessed on a numeric rating scale, decreased from 7 to 0, and the patient was able to play badminton and soccer without pain.

CONCLUSIONS

We verified the effect with an increase in the active ankle joint range of motion and the VISA-A questionnaire score, which was achieved by a decrease in tenderness and pain from repeated ATT application.

Effect of shoulder taping on maximum shoulder external and internal rotation range in uninjured and previously injured overhead athletes during a seated throw

The purpose of our study was to investigate whether shoulder taping affects shoulder kinematics in injured and previously injured overhead athletes during a seated throw. Twenty-six overhead college athletes threw a handball three times with and without tape, while seated on a chair. An 8-camera Vicon Motion Capture system recorded markers placed on the upper limb and trunk during each of the throwing conditions. Scaled musculoskeletal models of the upper limb were created using OpenSim and inverse kinematics used to obtain relevant joint angles. Shoulder taping had no main effect on external (ER) and internal (IR) rotation range (ROM) of the shoulder, but a significant interaction effect was found (p = 0.003 and 0.02, respectively), depending on previous injury status, whereby both the ER and IR ROM of the shoulder in the group of previously injured athletes decreased when taped (143-138° and 54-51°, respectively), but increased in the group who had never been injured (131-135° and 42-44°, respectively). Maximum abduction range and ball velocity were not affected by the application of shoulder taping, regardless of previous injury status. Thus, application of shoulder taping has a differential effect on maximum shoulder ER and IR ROM during throwing depending on previous injury status. These findings have implications for returning athletes to sport after injury and for screening athletes at risk of injury.