Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio Tex tape combined with a scapula exercise program in the strengthening of the serratus anterior (SA) and lower trapezius (LT) muscles in overhead (OH) athletes with shoulder impingement. The reduction of shoulder impingement symptomology in (OH) athletes were also investigated. Hypothesis: OH athletes with shoulder impingement will demonstrate a greater increase in the strength of the SA muscle with the combination of Kinesio taping and a scapular strengthening exercise program (experimental group) when comared to individuals who receive the exercise program along with placebo taping. Also, three exploratory questions were asked, which looked at the strength of LT, along with changes in pain and function. Study Design: Randomized, single-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Subjects/Methods: Twenty-nine OH athletes male and female with shoulder impingement between the ages of 15-25 participated in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group received Kinesio taping to the SA and LT muscles while performing a scapula strengthening exercise program for six weeks. The placebo group also performed the strengthening program but had placebo taping applied. The outcome measures include (1) strength of SA and LT muscles, (2) Visual analog scale (VAS) pain rating taken for each orthopedic special test (OST) along with the change in impingement symptomology, (3) Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score. Results: The mean change of SA muscle strength was positive, indicating increased SA strength for both the treatment and control groups; however, the difference between the treatment and control groups from pre-test to post-test was small. Similarly, for the LT muscle strength, the difference between groups was small. The mean change of KJOC scores was positive for both groups but the difference between groups was small. For the four-pain variables (OST), the standard deviations were as large as, or larger than, the means, suggesting that there were not major differences between groups. Conclusion: Both groups demonstrated improvements in SA and LT muscle strength, pain during OST, and the KJOC functional assessment tool. However, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Further studies with a larger sample size that explore the long-term effects of Kinesio taping in OH athletes with shoulder impingement symptoms are needed to assist clinicians in the treatment of this population.
