Effects of Kinesiotape on Upper Body Posture
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Sarah Coste
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Health, Human Performance and Athletics
Description
Purpose: Many work hours may be spent in a sitting position at a desk or table. The lumbar muscles of the back can grow fatigued when sitting straight for long periods of time. If these muscles become excessively fatigued, it can be difficult to maintain proper posture and can result in individuals adapting a rounded shoulder approach. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a 3-week application of kinesiotape to the thoracic region of the back can lead to improvements in seated posture.
Methods: Thirteen participants (18-25 years, 2 males & 11 females) were equally divided into experimental and placebo groups and participated in the application of kinesiotape during the 4-week study. Measurements of the participants were taken on the initial application meeting, after 3 weeks, and one week after the 3-week protocol ended. A survey was administered before and after the protocol inquiring about pain and physical activity.
Results: Acromion process to floor distance (in the supine position) decreased after 3-week taping protocol in placebo (no stretch) and experimental (stretch) groups.
Conclusion: The results suggest a short-term postural improvement with the application of kinesiotape with or without the application of stretch. The postural improvement reverted after 4 weeks, which suggest that kinesiotape does not provide long-term postural influence.
Recommended Citation
Brandner, Gabrielle; Ryan, Mike; and Marks, Abigail, "Effects of Kinesiotape on Upper Body Posture" (2017). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 45.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2017/all/45
Effects of Kinesiotape on Upper Body Posture
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Purpose: Many work hours may be spent in a sitting position at a desk or table. The lumbar muscles of the back can grow fatigued when sitting straight for long periods of time. If these muscles become excessively fatigued, it can be difficult to maintain proper posture and can result in individuals adapting a rounded shoulder approach. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a 3-week application of kinesiotape to the thoracic region of the back can lead to improvements in seated posture.
Methods: Thirteen participants (18-25 years, 2 males & 11 females) were equally divided into experimental and placebo groups and participated in the application of kinesiotape during the 4-week study. Measurements of the participants were taken on the initial application meeting, after 3 weeks, and one week after the 3-week protocol ended. A survey was administered before and after the protocol inquiring about pain and physical activity.
Results: Acromion process to floor distance (in the supine position) decreased after 3-week taping protocol in placebo (no stretch) and experimental (stretch) groups.
Conclusion: The results suggest a short-term postural improvement with the application of kinesiotape with or without the application of stretch. The postural improvement reverted after 4 weeks, which suggest that kinesiotape does not provide long-term postural influence.
