Effect of Kinesio®tape on Scapular Kinematics of the Asymptomatic Shoulder in Healthy Younger Adults
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
Introduction
- Limited scapular upward rotation and posterior tilting during upper extremity elevation are correlated with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS)
- Previous research found significant increases in scapular posterior tilting with Kinesio®tape (KT) application
- Purpose: To find a taping method that increases scapular upward rotation and posterior tilting
- Hypothesis: KT application for mechanical facilitation will increase scapular upward rotation during upper extremity elevation
Objective
- Investigate the effects of KT on scapular kinematics during upper extremity elevation
Participants
- Twenty asymptomatic participants aged 23-36 years old (mean 25.45)
- No cervical, thoracic, or shoulder conditions affecting shoulder ROM
- Right hand dominant
Methods
- Kinesio ® tape was applied to the dominant upper extremity
- 3D motion of the humerus and scapula were measured using the G4 electromagnetic motion capture system and MotionMonitor software
- Upper extremely elevation was performed in the sagittal, frontal, and scapular planes without tape and with tape. The non-tape condition was repeated
- Repeated measures ANOVA utilizing SPSS v 28 for statistical analysis
Results
- No statistically significant difference in scapular upward rotation with upper extremity elevation between KT, non-KT, and repeated non-KT conditions (p=0.603)
- No statistically significant difference in scapular posterior tilting with upper extremity elevation between KT, non-KT, and repeated non-KT conditions (p=0.376)
- Results are outlined in figure 2.
Conclusion
- It is hypothesized that KT can alter the kinematics of the scapula and could be used to help treat individuals with SAIS
- The current literature has not reached a consensus as to whether or not KT has the ability to alter the kinematics of the scapula
- Current study found no change in either scapular posterior tilting or upward rotation
- Further research is needed to see if this taping method would be effective at reducing pain in individuals with symptomatic SAIS
Clinical Relevance
- Increasing posterior tilt and upward rotation of the scapula may improve SAIS symptoms
- Kinesiotape may provide improvements in scapular motion during UE elevation
Recommended Citation
Rundquist, Peter J. PT, PhD; Eaton, Cormick SPT; Lemminger, Sam SPT; Lott, Bella SPT; Smith, Ryan SPT; and Zitzer, Natalie SPT, "Effect of Kinesio®tape on Scapular Kinematics of the Asymptomatic Shoulder in Healthy Younger Adults" (2023). DPT Capstone Posters. 26.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/26