Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy

Background: Shoulder pain is the second most frequently seen symptom in musculoskeletal system problems, following lower back pain where sub acromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is the most common disorder of shoulder pain etiologies. Kinesio tape (KT) has become increasingly popular in the recent years, as it does not have the undesired effects of standard taping such as limitation in joint movements and functional activities. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to systematically review the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which investigated the effect of the KT on SAIS and demonstrate areas where the available evidence is insufficient and where new, highly designed trials are required. Study Design: Systematic review of RCTs. Intervention: KT performed by the physical therapists on patients diagnosed with SAIS. Outcomes measures: Shoulder pain, range of motion (ROM) and function. Results: Only three RCTs met the inclusion criteria, they all investigated the efficacy of KT versus sham KT , one study showed that KT produced an immediate improvement of the abduction ROM while no significance difference in either pain or shoulder function while another study showed that KT has an effect in relieving pain in short term setting but not on ROM while the third one showed a significant effect KT on shoulder function Conclusion: There is still a debate about the efficacy of KT on SAIS pain, ROM, and function however, some lower quality studies than the included RCTs reported immediate and/or short term benefits. More high quality RCTs are needed to examine the effectiveness of KT in short and long term setting in terms of shoulder pain, ROM, and function

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