Effect of taping as a component of conservative treatment for subacromial impingement syndrome

Abstract

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) has been described as the most common form of shoulder pathology argued that 100% of impingement lesions and 95% of rotator cuff pathology are caused by friction between the acromion and surrounding tissues within the subacromial space. Commonly, rest, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroid injections, and mobilization, strengthening exercises will resolve most cases of SIS. The results of the long-term outcome of these treatments, however, are not promising. Purpose: This study focuses on the effect of scapular taping and conventional Physical therapy in increasing isometric muscle strength, decreasing pain, improving function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. Study design: Double blinded randomised controlled clinical trial. Subjects were assessed by a blinded researcher using standard physiotherapy measures, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index questionnaire (SPADI), and isometric muscle strength measured using digital dynamo meter. Methodology: The patients in the treatment group (scapular taping group) received scapular taping with conventional exercises and the control group (no scapula taping) group received conventional exercise. Result: When comparing the scores using unpaired t-test with P value set at <0.05, high level of significance was noted for flexor, abductor, external rotator muscle force and SPADI. Conclusion: Scapular taping may be a useful adjunct for promoting proper scapular kinetics & upper thoracic extension and should be used in conjunction with other interventions.