ABSTRACT
Background: Alteration in upper body posture is associated with shoulder impingement due to changes in scapular orientation, increased thoracic kyphosis and concomitant imbalance of glenohumeral and scapulothoracic muscles. Mechanical correction of scaular and thoracic posture can reduce impingement. Recently use of kinesiotapes has been increasingly popular. There have been some studies reporting the effect of kinesiotapes on muscle activation and pain reduction in subacromial impingement syndrome. Kinesiotapes can also be used to correct scapular and thoracic posture in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome. Purpose of study: To study the effect of scapula and thoracic taping using kinesiotapes in addition of conventional treatment on scapular posture and shoulder range of motion in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome. Materials and Methods: 60 subjects with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome were randomly assigned to two groups. Experimental group received scapula and thoracic taping using kinesiotape for 24hrs along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. Control group received conventional physiotherapy. Subjects were assessed pre, immediate post intervention and 24hr post intervention for scapular posture, shoulder range of motion and pain. Results: Experimental group showed statistical significant improvement(p<0.001) in scapular posture, shoulder range of motion and pain (on medial rotation, and reaching the back) scores both immediately and 24hour post intervention compared to control group. Also greater improvement was seen in pain and range of motion post 24 hour as compared to immediate post intervention in experimental group. Conclusion: Taping as an adjunct to conventional treatment is much more effective for short term improvement in scapular postures, range of motion and reduction in pain as compared to only conventional treatment in subjects with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome.