Evaluating the effects of two different kinesiology taping techniques on shoulder pain and function in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundEhlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders which predominantly affects women and has a prevalence as high as 1 in 5,000 individuals. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common subtype of EDS and is characterized by multi-joint pain, particularly in large joints such as the shoulder. Physical therapy is often utilized to address the pain, physical impairments, and functional loss in patients with EDS. Kinesiology Tape (KT) is an intervention commonly used by physical therapists for treating shoulder pain and dysfunction. Studies related to the effectiveness of KT in patients with shoulder pain is equivocal and there are a lack of studies specifically studying the effects of KT in an EDS population.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and short-term effects of two different KT techniques on shoulder pain and function in individuals with hEDS and shoulder pain.MethodsParticipants were recruited from EDS support groups in the New England area of the United States; were diagnosed with hEDS by their physician; and had shoulder pain. Baseline demographic information was obtained for each participant followed by completion of 4 patient reported outcome (PRO) measures: the Upper Extremity Functional Index, QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, & Hand), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index. Current pain level, average pain over the past 24 h, and worst pain over the past 24 h were recorded using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either an experimental shoulder KT procedure or a control shoulder taping. Immediately after taping, the NPRS was reassessed. Subjects then returned 48 h later to repeat the NPRS and PRO measures.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the experimental and control tape groups for any outcome measure. There was a significant improvement from pre-taping to 48-hours post taping for each of the 4 PRO measures with large effect sizes (p < 0.001; ƞp2 = .517–.719). Likewise, average, and worst pain over the last 24 h significantly improved with large effect sizes over the same period (p = 0.005; ƞp2 = .225 and p < 0.001; ƞp2 = .382, respectively). Current NPRS levels significantly improved from pre-tape to immediately post-tape (p = .023, ƞp2 = .131) and was maintained through the 48-hour follow up, although no further improvement was seen.ConclusionKT is an inexpensive and relatively safe intervention that is easy to apply and can offer temporary improvements in pain and function for patients with EDS and shoulder pain.

Evaluating the effects of two different kinesiology taping techniques on shoulder range of motion and proprioception in patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

“…While our study cannot answer the mechanism through which the K-Tape application improved AROM rotation, we can state that it does not appear to be through improving AJR. In a previous study, using the same taping protocols in patients with hEDS and shoulder pain, it was demonstrated that there was a significant short-term improvement in pain and function after either K-Tape application with no difference between the groups ( 22 ). However, the results of this study favor the experimental tape, indicating that pain reduction may not be the only mechanism for improving the rotational AROM in the experimental K-Tape group.…”

“…All taping utilized the Thrive Far Infrared Kinesiology Tape (Melrose, MA, USA). The taping techniques have been previously described in the literature ( 22 ). However, in brief, the experimental group had the first strip applied from the lateral inferior aspect of the clavicle wrapping around to the medial posterior scapular.…”

Effect of dynamic taping on neck pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: a randomized sham-control trial

“…The body of literature on taping techniques has significantly expanded in recent years ( Thelen, Dauber & Stoneman, 2008 ). Studies tend to emphasize immediate gains ( Tudini et al, 2023 ) more prominently than short or long-term effects of tape application. However, it is noteworthy that the majority of research is focused on KT rather than DT.…”

“…Simultaneously, the lack of consensus on the biomechanical principles at work, acceptable taping techniques, quantity of tension during application, and application frequency with dosage are still debatable. Moreover, the utility of kinesio-tape (KT) to treat musculoskeletal conditions in athletic population and other musculoskeletal conditions is well documented ( Mostafavifar, Wertz & Borchers, 2012 ; Ferreira, Resende & Roriz, 2017 ; Tudini et al, 2023 ). The introduction of dynamic tapes (DT), characterized by distinct mechanical properties compared to traditional KT, represents a potential advancement in therapeutic applications.…”