The Effect of Kinesio Tape® Applied to Forward Shoulder Posture Observed and Quantified with Diagnositc Ultrasound

Abstract

Allied health care professionals use Kinesio Tape® to reduce pain and increase performance without evidence of the impact on anatomical structures. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of three Kinesio Taping Methods® on Forward Shoulder Posture (FSP). Thirty adults were randomized in a pre-/post-test study randomly assigned to one of the three Kinesio Tape® conditions: (1) inhibition of the pectoralis minor; (2) facilitation of the lower trapezius; and (3) a combination of both techniques. A baseline measurement of the location of the humerus was obtained using diagnostic ultrasound. Participants wore the respective taping technique for 24 hours and were re-measured without tape. The overall effect between each taping technique was not statistically significant (P >.05). Health care professionals should consider individual differences in anatomy as well as injury before arbitrarily applying Kinesio® Tape in hopes that it will alleviate pain or reduce injury.