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

NCT ID: NCT07182461

Last Updated: 2025-09-19

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

36 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-03-13

Study Completion Date

2026-07-31

Brief Summary

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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

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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).

Conditions

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Upper Crossed Syndrome

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Participants

Study Groups

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Combined Dynamic Taping and Corrective Exercise (DT+EX Group)

Participants in this group received postural taping using dynamic tape aimed at correcting forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis. The tape was worn continuously throughout the intervention period, 24 hours a day. It was reapplied if participants reported detachment; otherwise, it was replaced every three days. In addition to taping, participants performed a corrective exercise program based on the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum, which included four phases: inhibit, lengthen, activate, and integrate. The intervention lasted for three weeks, with 3 to 4 sessions per week, totaling 10 training sessions. Each session lasted approximately 60 to 75 minutes.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Dynamic Tape

Intervention Type DEVICE

Dynamic Tape is a viscoelastic tape designed to assist movement and absorb load. The material is composed of either Nylon/Lycra or Recycled PET/Lycra.

Swiss Ball

Intervention Type DEVICE

A 75 cm diameter Swiss ball was used to provide an unstable surface during the exercise intervention.

Dumbbells

Intervention Type DEVICE

During the exercise intervention, 1 kg and 2 kg dumbbells were used as external resistance.

Visual Feedback Laser Device

Intervention Type DEVICE

A headband was prepared to attach the laser pointer securely, allowing participants to wear it . This visual feedback laser device was used during proprioceptive training to provide real-time feedback.

Dynamic Taping (DT Group)

Participants in this group received postural taping using dynamic tape aimed at correcting forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis. The taping method was identical to that used in the DT + EX group. The tape was worn continuously throughout the intervention period, 24 hours a day. It was reapplied if participants reported detachment; otherwise, it was replaced every three days. The intervention lasted for three weeks. No corrective exercise intervention was provided to this group.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Dynamic Tape

Intervention Type DEVICE

Dynamic Tape is a viscoelastic tape designed to assist movement and absorb load. The material is composed of either Nylon/Lycra or Recycled PET/Lycra.

Corrective Exercise Group (EX Group)

Participants in this group performed only the corrective exercise component used in the DT + EX group. The program was based on the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum and included four phases: inhibit, lengthen, activate, and integrate. The intervention lasted for three weeks, with 3 to 4 sessions per week, totaling 10 training sessions. Each session lasted approximately 60 to 75 minutes. No taping was applied to this group.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Swiss Ball

Intervention Type DEVICE

A 75 cm diameter Swiss ball was used to provide an unstable surface during the exercise intervention.

Dumbbells

Intervention Type DEVICE

During the exercise intervention, 1 kg and 2 kg dumbbells were used as external resistance.

Visual Feedback Laser Device

Intervention Type DEVICE

A headband was prepared to attach the laser pointer securely, allowing participants to wear it . This visual feedback laser device was used during proprioceptive training to provide real-time feedback.

Control Group

Participants in this group did not receive any intervention. They were instructed to maintain their usual daily activities and lifestyle throughout the three-week study period.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Dynamic Tape

Dynamic Tape is a viscoelastic tape designed to assist movement and absorb load. The material is composed of either Nylon/Lycra or Recycled PET/Lycra.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Swiss Ball

A 75 cm diameter Swiss ball was used to provide an unstable surface during the exercise intervention.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Dumbbells

During the exercise intervention, 1 kg and 2 kg dumbbells were used as external resistance.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Visual Feedback Laser Device

A headband was prepared to attach the laser pointer securely, allowing participants to wear it . This visual feedback laser device was used during proprioceptive training to provide real-time feedback.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Other Intervention Names

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Therapy Ball

Eligibility Criteria

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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
Minimum Eligible Age

20 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

35 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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China Medical University Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Locations

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Department of Physical Therapy of China Medical University

Taichung, Beitun, Taiwan

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Taiwan

Central Contacts

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Yueh-Ling Hsieh, PHD

Role: CONTACT

04-22053366 Ext. #7312

Hsi-Ying Shao

Role: CONTACT

0917103692

Facility Contacts

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Yueh-Ling Hsieh

Role: primary

Other Identifiers

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CMUH113-REC3-197

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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