The Effect of Rocktape on Upper Quarter Posture Kelsi Bennett, SPT; Zach Gove, SPT; Mike Nezworski, SPT; Will Streck, SPT; Rachael Wauer, SPT Faculty Mentor: Janice Loudon, PT, Ph.D., SCS, ATC, CSCS
Purpose/Hypothesis: The goal of this study was to determine the effect of elastic shoulder taping on cervical and shoulder posture.
Background: Forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) are two of the most common postural problems seen in individuals that sit for prolonged periods. The use of elastic adhesive taping has been shown to improve posture in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
Methods: Nineteen graduate students participated in the study. Cervical and shoulder posture were assessed on the dominant and non-dominant side at baseline, with initial RockTaping of the shoulder and 48 hours following the tape.
Results: Immediately following the application of the Rocktape, all angles increased. After the two days of wearing the tape, postural angles returned to pre-tape values or less. There was a statistical difference in angles of pre-tape versus immediately following tape.
Conclusion: Overall, there is an immediate and significant change in posture with the addition of RockTape to the dominant shoulder, however this effect does not last over a two-day period.
Acknowledgements: We would like to thank RockTape for providing tape for this project