Effects of Kinesio Taping on scapular kinematics and electromyographic activity in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping® (KT) on scapular kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).

Methods: Twenty subjects with a diagnosis of SIS performed abduction, scaption, and flexion movements in two load conditions: (1) without load and (2) holding a dumbbell. The same movements were evaluated again with the use of KT over the deltoid muscle with a 20% tension. Scapular kinematics data of the shoulder complex were captured with BTS SMART-DX at a frequency rate of 100 Hz. EMG activity was evaluated for the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, middle deltoid, and serratus anterior muscles with BTS FREE EMG 1000 at a frequency rate of 1000 Hz. The root mean square values normalized by the maximal voluntary contraction and the peak values of upward rotation, internal rotation, and posterior tilt were compared with the KT conditions through repeated-measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) using SPSS software.

Results: No significant differences between KT conditions were found for scapular kinematics (p > 0.05). For EMG activity, a reduction in the lower trapezius was found (p < 0.05) during abduction with load (p < 0.05) and elevation without load (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it was not possible to verify changes in scapular kinematics in subjects with SIS. However, a reduction in EMG activity was observed for the lower trapezius muscle. Therefore, caution should be taken in prescribing KT for SIS subjects, who already have a reduction in EMG activity in this muscle, as KT may have an adverse effect.