The Effects of Dynamic Taping Combined With Corrective Exercises on Cervical Proprioception and Muscle Imbalance in Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome

China Medical University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Upper Crossed Syndrome

Treatments: Device: Dumbbells; Device: Swiss Ball; Device: Dynamic Tape; Device: Visual Feedback Laser Device

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07182461

CMUH113-REC3-197

Details and patient eligibility

About

Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a pattern of muscle imbalance that leads to forward head posture, rounded shoulders, or excessive thoracic kyphosis, thereby affecting posture and cervical-shoulder function. Dynamic Taping is a taping technique aimed at enhancing movement control and muscle support through its elastic material and tension, influencing the skin and neuromuscular system. When applied to UCS patients, Dynamic Taping can assist in posture correction, improve posture control, and increase scapular dynamic stability. Additionally, Dynamic Taping can enhance proprioception, helping patients maintain proper posture through sensory feedback. Corrective exercises improve posture and stability by strengthening weakened muscles and stretching tight muscles. Combining these two interventions is expected to help address poor posture.

Full description

This study aims to investigate the effects of Dynamic Taping combined with corrective exercises on cervical proprioception and muscle imbalance in UCS patients. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA will be used to evaluate the effects before and after the intervention.

Participants recruited for this study must be adults aged 20 years or older. The study will evaluate their posture, including craniovertebral angle (CVA), sagittal shoulder angle (SSA), thoracic kyphosis angle, subacromial space, coracoid-humeral distance (CHD), cervical proprioception, muscle strength (deep cervical flexors, upper, middle, and lower trapezius, serratus anterior, rhomboid muscles), and electromyographic (EMG) to evaluate muscle activation (upper, middle, and lower trapezius, serratus anterior).

Enrollment: 36 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Age: >20years
2. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) of <48
3. Sagittal plane acromial angle of <52°
4. Thoracic kyphosis angle of >42° Meeting any one of these three angle conditions qualifies for inclusion.

Exclusion criteria

1. Allergic reactions to dynamic taping
2. Bodyweight outside the normal range (BMI between 18 and 25)
3. Any evident misalignment in the cervical spine, pelvis, or lower/upper limbs
4. Trunk rotation exceeding 5°during forward bending tests due to scoliosis
5. History of inherited muscle diseases, soft tissue lesions, or joint diseases involving the spine, scapulae, shoulders, abdomen, or pelvis
6. History of fractures or surgeries.
7. Inability to understand instructions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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36 participants in 4 patient groups

Combined Dynamic Taping and Corrective Exercise (DT+EX Group)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group received postural taping using dynamic tape aimed at correcting forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis. The tape was worn continuously throughout the intervention period, 24 hours a day. It was reapplied if participants reported detachment; otherwise, it was replaced every three days. In addition to taping, participants performed a corrective exercise program based on the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum, which included four phases: inhibit, lengthen, activate, and integrate. The intervention lasted for three weeks, with 3 to 4 sessions per week, totaling 10 training sessions. Each session lasted approximately 60 to 75 minutes.

Treatment:

Device: Visual Feedback Laser Device

Device: Dynamic Tape

Device: Swiss Ball

Device: Dumbbells

Dynamic Taping (DT Group)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group received postural taping using dynamic tape aimed at correcting forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis. The taping method was identical to that used in the DT + EX group. The tape was worn continuously throughout the intervention period, 24 hours a day. It was reapplied if participants reported detachment; otherwise, it was replaced every three days. The intervention lasted for three weeks. No corrective exercise intervention was provided to this group.

Treatment:

Device: Dynamic Tape

Corrective Exercise Group (EX Group)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group performed only the corrective exercise component used in the DT + EX group. The program was based on the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum and included four phases: inhibit, lengthen, activate, and integrate. The intervention lasted for three weeks, with 3 to 4 sessions per week, totaling 10 training sessions. Each session lasted approximately 60 to 75 minutes. No taping was applied to this group.

Treatment:

Device: Visual Feedback Laser Device

Device: Swiss Ball

Device: Dumbbells

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group did not receive any intervention. They were instructed to maintain their usual daily activities and lifestyle throughout the three-week study period.