Comparative effects of kinesio taping and spinal manipulative therapy combined with exercise on pain, function, and range of motion in subacromial impingement syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 5, 274 - 283

İbrahim Karaca , Suat Erel

https://doi.org/10.31459/turkjkin.1764999

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial investigated the additional effects of kinesio taping (KT) and spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), each combined with scapulothoracic mobilization and exercise, in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). To date, no randomized controlled trial has directly compared KT and SMT in individuals with SIS. Sixty-six participants were block randomized into three groups: Control protocol (mobilization + home exercise), KT (Control protocol + KT twice weekly), and SMT (Control protocol + SMT twice weekly) for 3 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (Week 0), post-treatment (Week 3), and follow-up (Week 6). Primary outcomes included pain at rest and during movement measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, internal/external rotation) with goniometry, upper extremity disability assessed by the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), and health-related quality of life measured by the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12). All groups showed significant improvements over time (p-values reported in full). From baseline to follow-up, SMT produced greater improvements than the control group in VAS activity (p = 0.01) and abduction ROM (p = 0.02), while KT led to greater gains in external rotation ROM (p = 0.01). No other between-group differences were found. Adding KT or SMT to scapulothoracic mobilization and exercise may yield selective ROM benefits, with SMT favoring abduction and activity pain, and KT aiding external rotation. However, neither showed consistent additional effects on overall pain, disability, or quality of life compared to the control protocol.

Keywords

Exercise therapy , kinesio taping , orthopedic mobilization , shoulder impingement syndrome , spinal manipulative therapy

Ethical Statement

The protocol was approved by the Pamukkale University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (approval date: September 19, 2023; meeting no: 15; number: E-60116787-020-421284) and it was carried out in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association also known as a declaration of Helsinki.

Supporting Institution

The authors declare that the study received no funding.

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