Overview
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.
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).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age: >20years
- Craniovertebral angle (CVA) of <48
- Sagittal plane acromial angle of <52°
- Thoracic kyphosis angle of >42° Meeting any one of these three angle conditions qualifies for inclusion.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Allergic reactions to dynamic taping
- Bodyweight outside the normal range (BMI between 18 and 25)
- Any evident misalignment in the cervical spine, pelvis, or lower/upper limbs
- Trunk rotation exceeding 5°during forward bending tests due to scoliosis
- History of inherited muscle diseases, soft tissue lesions, or joint diseases involving the spine, scapulae, shoulders, abdomen, or pelvis
- History of fractures or surgeries.
- Inability to understand instructions