Effectiveness of Taping in Scapular Dyskinesis: A Systematic Review

The scapular dyskinesis (SD) implies a change in the mechanics and motion of the scapula. It is believed that variations in the activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles cause the occurrence. The gold standard of treatment for SD involves conservative measures aimed at improving scapular kinematics. Treating SD’s major objective is restoring appropriate scapular movements and position. For the management and cure of musculoskeletal problems, taping became a popular rehabilitation technique. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesiology and rigid taping in treating SD. A systematic review assessed whether taping improves scapular position and movement, leading to pain and disability reduction. The study selection criteria include a Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score of 5 or higher, participants aged 18–60, both genders, and published articles, while exclusions include unpublished articles, birth deformities, and mental disorders. Papers published between 2013 and December 2023 were searched in databases such as Cochrane, PubMed, Pedro, and Google Scholar, focusing on randomized trials in English using Medical Subject Headings and Descriptors for Science and Health. Among 4870 papers initially found, 1118 were eligible for full-text screening, with 8 selected for thorough review. The Risk of Bias Visualization tool has been used for assessing the risk of bias. Results suggest that scapular taping improves kinematics and discomfort, potentially enhancing traditional physiotherapy outcomes. Participants showed better scapular stabilization, proprioceptive feedback, and shoulder mobility. However, more high-quality research, particularly randomized controlled trials, is needed to validate these findings and explore kinesiology taping’s comparative benefits for SD.