The Effects of Dynamic Taping Combined With Corrective Exercises on Cervical Proprioception and Muscle Imbalance in Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Upper Crossed Syndrome

• Registration Number: NCT07182461
• Lead Sponsor: China Medical University Hospital

Brief Summary

Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a pattern of muscle imbalance that leads to forward head posture, rounded shoulders, or excessive thoracic kyphosis, thereby affecting posture and cervical-shoulder function. Dynamic Taping is a taping technique aimed at enhancing movement control and muscle support through its elastic material and tension, influencing the skin and neuromuscular system. When applied to UCS patients, Dynamic Taping can assist in posture correction, improve posture control, and increase scapular dynamic stability. Additionally, Dynamic Taping can enhance proprioception, helping patients maintain proper posture through sensory feedback. Corrective exercises improve posture and stability by strengthening weakened muscles and stretching tight muscles. Combining these two interventions is expected to help address poor posture.

Detailed Description

This study aims to investigate the effects of Dynamic Taping combined with corrective exercises on cervical proprioception and muscle imbalance in UCS patients. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA will be used to evaluate the effects before and after the intervention.

Participants recruited for this study must be adults aged 20 years or older. The study will evaluate their posture, including craniovertebral angle (CVA), sagittal shoulder angle (SSA), thoracic kyphosis angle, subacromial space, coracoid-humeral distance (CHD), cervical proprioception, muscle strength (deep cervical flexors, upper, middle, and lower trapezius, serratus anterior, rhomboid muscles), and electromyographic (EMG) to evaluate muscle activation (upper, middle, and lower trapezius, serratus anterior).

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-03-13
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-11
• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-17
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-17
• Study First Posted: 2025-09-19
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-19
• Primary Completion: 2026-07-15
• Study Completion: 2026-07-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 36

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age: >20years
2. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) of <48
3. Sagittal plane acromial angle of <52°
4. Thoracic kyphosis angle of >42° Meeting any one of these three angle conditions qualifies for inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Allergic reactions to dynamic taping
2. Bodyweight outside the normal range (BMI between 18 and 25)
3. Any evident misalignment in the cervical spine, pelvis, or lower/upper limbs
4. Trunk rotation exceeding 5°during forward bending tests due to scoliosis
5. History of inherited muscle diseases, soft tissue lesions, or joint diseases involving the spine, scapulae, shoulders, abdomen, or pelvis
6. History of fractures or surgeries.
7. Inability to understand instructions

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Posture (CVA and SSA and Kyphosis Angle)	Participants were assessed at time points: prior to the intervention (baseline), immediately three weeks after the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up.	The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and shoulder sagittal angle (SSA) were measured using the Physiomaster mobile application. During the measurement, the examiner positioned the smartphone to align the subject's image with the vertical and horizontal reference lines on the screen and then captured a photograph. The anatomical landmarks used for angle determination included the lateral canthus of the eye, the tragus of the ear, the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and the midpoint of the line connecting the acromial processes.; The thoracic kyphosis angle was measured using the Angle Meter mobile application. First, the device was calibrated to 0°. The smartphone was then placed at the level just inferior to T1 and subsequently at the level superior to T12. The kyphosis angle was calculated by summing the two measured angles.
Cervical Proprioception	Participants were assessed at time points: prior to the intervention (baseline), immediately three weeks after the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up.	Cervical proprioception was assessed using the Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) test with a cervical range of motion (CROM) device. Participants were instructed to adopt and recognize the neutral head position (0°). The head was then passively guided to 30° of flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. After each movement, participants actively returned to the perceived neutral position under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The repositioning error was defined as the angular difference between the actual and the perceived 0° position

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Physical Therapy of China Medical University; 🇨🇳 Taichung, Beitun, Taiwan