The effects of taping on scapular kinematics and muscle performance in baseball players with shoulder impingement syndrome

Received 29 May 2007; received in revised form 4 November 2008; accepted 5 November 2008. published online 15 January 2009.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of elastic taping on kinematics, muscle activity and strength of the scapular region in baseball players with shoulder impingement.

Scope

Seventeen baseball players with shoulder impingement were recruited from three amateur baseball teams. All subjects received both the elastic taping (Kinesio TexTM) and the placebo taping (3M Micropore tape) over the lower trapezius muscle. We measured the 3-dimensional scapular motion, electromyographic (EMG) activities of the upper and lower trapezius, and the serratus anterior muscles during arm elevation. Strength of the lower trapezius was tested prior to and after each taping application. The results of the analyses of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures showed that the elastic taping significantly increased the scapular posterior tilt at 30° and 60° during arm raising and increased the lower trapezius muscle activity in the 60–30° arm lowering phase (p<0.05) in comparison to the placebo taping.

Conclusions

The elastic taping resulted in positive changes in scapular motion and muscle performance. The results supported its use as a treatment aid in managing shoulder impingement problems.

Keywords: Shoulder impingement syndrome, Kinematics, Therapeutic taping, Electromyography

a Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan

b Department of Research and Education, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

c Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

Corresponding author. Address: Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Section 2, Li-Nong Street, Shih-Pai, Taipei 112, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 2 28267340; fax: +886 2 28201841.

1 Wen-Yin Chen and Hsiu-Chen Lin equally contributed to this work.

PII: S1050-6411(08)00185-5

doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.11.003

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