Taping to Improve Scapular Dyskinesis, Scapular Upward Rotation, and Pectoralis Minor Length in Overhead Athletes.

CONTEXT: Deviations in scapular motions and subsequent alterations in associated soft tissues are thought to contribute to overuse shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. Whereas rigid and Kinesio taping are recommended for preventing these injuries, high-level evidence from clinical trials is still needed.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the short-term effects of rigid and Kinesio taping on scapular dyskinesis, scapular upward rotation, and pectoralis minor length in asymptomatic overhead athletes.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING: Athletic training rooms.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-two elite asymptomatic overhead athletes (age = 17.00 ± 4.09 years, height = 1.75 ± 0.11 m, mass = 67.26 ± 15.25 kg, body mass index = 21.80 ± 3.00).

INTERVENTION(S): We randomly assigned participants to 1 of 4 groups: rigid taping, Kinesio taping, placebo, or control (no taping). For the first 3 groups, we applied tape to the shoulder and scapular region.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We evaluated all groups for observable scapular dyskinesis using the scapular dyskinesis test, scapular upward rotation using a digital inclinometer, and pectoralis minor length using the pectoralis minor index at baseline, immediately after taping, and at 60 to 72 hours after taping.

RESULTS: The scapular dyskinesis percentage ( P < .05) decreased and the pectoralis minor index ( P < .001) increased immediately and at 60 to 72 hours after taping in the rigid-taping and Kinesio-taping groups. We observed no differences among groups for the change in the pectoralis minor index ( P > .05). Scapular upward rotation did not change after taping in any group ( P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Rigid or Kinesio taping of the shoulder and scapular region improved scapular dyskinesis and pectoralis minor length but did not alter scapular upward rotation. Short-term rigid and Kinesio taping may help improve scapular dyskinesis and pectoralis minor length in overhead athletes.