Effects of kinesio taping on neck-shoulder discomfort and EMG responses during smartphone texting in healthy young adults.

Abstract

While kinesio taping (KT) is used in several clinical settings to correct posture and reduce pain, KT effects during smartphone texting are unknown. To investigate the effects among healthy young adults of KT on neck-shoulder discomfort and electromyographic (EMG) responses of neck and upper trunk muscles during smartphone texting. Twenty-four participants performed a 30-minute texting task on a smartphone using both hands at two separate times under one of two conditions: KT on the right shoulder and no taping. Neck-shoulder discomfort was assessed, along with the normalized root mean square (NRMS) and normalized median frequency (NMF) of the right cervical erector spinae (CES), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA). Compared to baseline, both groups had significantly greater neck-shoulder discomfort, and NRMS and NMF of all muscles (p < 0.001) after performing a 30-minute texting task. Comparing between groups, the KT group experienced significantly less neck-shoulder discomfort, and demonstrated delayed deterioration of NRMS and NMF of right CES and LT muscles (p < 0.05). During smartphone texting, KT on the shoulder decreased neck-shoulder discomfort and delayed reduction of activation and fatigue of neck and upper trunk muscles among healthy young adults.