Kinesio Taping improves shoulder internal rotation and the external/internal rotator strength ratio in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although Kinesio Taping (KT) may increase muscle strength, few studies have examined the effectiveness of KT on muscle strength in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of KT on the isokinetic strength of the shoulder internal rotator (IR) and external rotator (ER) muscles in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis.

METHODS: Thirteen patients with rotator cuff tendinitis participated in this study. Shoulder IR and ER strength was measured concentrically (at 60 and 180°/s) before and after applying KT. The PT of each muscle group as well as the ER to IR ratios served as the outcome parameters.

RESULTS: The PT (both absolute and bodyweight normalized) of the IRs was significantly higher post-KT compared to pre-KT at both angular velocities. The ER/IR ratio was significantly lower post-KT than pre-KT at 60°/s.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that KT may effectively increase the shoulder IR muscle strength and help restore the shoulder ER/IR balance with decreased ratios in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis.