The effect of different tensions/directions of I-shaped taping in combination with corrective exercise on postural kyphosis in adolescents.

Background: Choosing appropriate complementary methods, such as exercise, along with taping methods may be effective in treating patients with kyphosis.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effect of different tape tensions/directions combined with corrective exercises on the degree of postural kyphosis in adolescents.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 54 adolescents with postural kyphosis were assigned into three groups: No taping (control), I-shaped taping technique with 10% stretching force (Kinesiotape I), and I-shaped taping using facilitation technique with 40% stretching force (Kinesiotape II). Both groups in Kinesiotaping also received a V-shaped tape (10% stretching force). All participants received a similar comprehensive corrective exercise. Patients received the allocated interventions for 6 weeks and visited every two weeks at the clinic. Measurements were done using a flexible ruler, kyphometer, and photogrammetry.

Results: Between-group analyses revealed no significant differences between the study groups following the interventions (p> 0.05). However, the within-group analyses according to flexible ruler, Kyphometer, and Photogrammetry measurements indicated that exercise alone (control) [p= 0.011, p= 0.056, and p= 0.005, respectively], Kinesiotape I - exercise [p= 0.001, p= 0.002, p= 0.013, and respectively], as well as Kinesiotape II - exercise [p< 0.001, p< 0.001, and p< 0.001, respectively] significantly decreased the postural kyphosis degree except exercise alone using Kyphometer measurement. No adverse events were observed during the study.

Conclusion: The findings of photogrammetry, flexible rulers, and photogrammetry similarly indicated that the corrective exercises with or without tape tension/directions significantly decreased the postural kyphosis degree in adolescents.