Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Kinesio-Taping on Pain and Functional Stability in Swimmers With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Kinesio-Taping (KT) is a new therapeutic approach for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS), which is common in swimmers. This study was performed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of KT on shoulder pain and functional stability in swimmers with SIS.

In this quasi-experimental study (randomized control trial), 28 swimmers with SIS were randomly allocated to the taping and control group. We used the Davis test and Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT) to assess the functional stability of the shoulder girdle and also the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain. The data were gathered in three time points: pre-test, 20 minutes, and 72 hours after the procedure. For statistical analysis, we used repeated-measures analyses of variance with a significance level of α<0.05. The analyses were done in SPSS.

The results showed that the taping group had a significantly improved in Davis test and UQYBT in the follow-up and the post-test and also significantly improved in VAS in the post-test compared to the control group. Also, the mean scores of pain, UQYBT, and Davis tests in the follow-up were significantly improved. The mean scores of the UQYBT and Davis test in the post-test were significantly better than those in the pre-test in the taping group (P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference between any of the time points in the control group (P<0.05).

Given the results, KT can provide a basis for reducing pain and improving the functional stability of the shoulder girdle of swimmers with SIS. KT can be used as a complementary treatment technique in people with shoulder impingement syndrome and prevent possible injuries in the area.