Effectiveness of kinesiotaping in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis (2022)

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) with or without co-interventions for clinical outcomes in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Data sources

Eight databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, PEDro, LILACS, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched from inception until March 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Clinical trials that determine the effectiveness of KT with or without co-interventions for clinical outcomes in patients with SIS who are older than 18 years of age.

Results

Ten trials for the quantitative analysis were included. For pain intensity at 1-3 weeks, the overall pooled MD was -0.73 cm, 95% CI = -1.50 to 0.04 (p = 0.06), and at 3-6 weeks, it was -0.13 cm, 95% CI = -1.37 to 0.36 (p = 0.25). For shoulder function, the MD was -0.02, 95%CI = -0.30 to 0.26 (p = 0.89). For shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) flexion, the MD was -16.70, 95% CI = -0.52 to 33.92 (p = 0.06). Additionally, there was a low to moderate quality of evidence according to the GRADE rating.

Conclusion

Kinesiotaping with or without co-interventions was not superior to other interventions for improving shoulder pain intensity, function and ROM flexion in patients with SIS.

Keywords

athletic tape; kinesiotaping; meta-analysis; randomized clinical trial; subacromial impingement syndrome.