Effects of Dynamic Taping on Shoulder Strength, Fatigue, Corticomotor Control and Neuromuscular Control

Maintaining shoulder stability requires good neuromuscular control. Imbalances in shoulder internal and external rotator strength may increase the risk of shoulder injuries in overhead athletes, and the compromised fatigue resistance of the external rotators may worsen this imbalance during sports activities. Additionally, poor scapular neuromuscular control is associated with shoulder problems, such as shoulder impingement syndrome. Previous research has shown that individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome exhibit poor scapular motion control and altered corticomotor control. Poor scapular motion control, pain, functional impairment, and changes in corticomotor control interact to form a vicious cycle. Various treatments have been attempted to improve neuromuscular control, including taping. Most past studies have focused on the efficacy of rigid tape and kinesio tape, while dynamic tape has gained popularity in recent years. Due to its material properties, dynamic tape is theoretically able to absorb loads, provide force, and correct movements. However, there is currently a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of dynamic tape. No research has yet explored whether dynamic tape can provide force to increase muscle strength and reduce fatigue or whether its movement correction functions can improve neuromuscular control and corticomotor control. Therefore, this project plans to conduct an experiment to investigate the effects of dynamic tape on external rotator strength and fatigue in recreational overhead athletes, as well as its impact on neuromuscular control and corticomotor excitability in recreational overhead athletes with shoulder impingement syndrome. In the experiment, 37 healthy recreational overhead athletes will participate in three testing sessions spaced one week apart, receiving kinesio tape, dynamic tape, and sham tape. After taping, they will perform fatigue-inducing activities. Isokinetic strength of internal and external rotators will be measured before taping, after taping, and after fatigue-inducing activities to observe the effects of dynamic tape on muscle strength and fatigue compared to kinesio tape and sham tape.