Purpose: To examine the effects of postural taping as measured by surface electromyography (EMG) of the upper trapezius muscle and reported pain levels in a patient with cervical postural syndrome. Subjects: A 35 year old female with a 5 year history and 4 month current duration of recurrent cervical and upper back pain associated with repetitive faulty posture. Methodology: An A-B single case design was utilized to allow for evaluation of the effects of postural taping on the EMG activity of the upper trapezius muscle with concurrent recording of the subject's pain levels. The split-middle technique and binomial test at a p value of .05 were performed. Results: The postural taping provided for a statistically significant decrease in the EMG activity of the upper trapezius muscle resulting in a balance of tension across the joint not evident prior to the intervention. A positive correlation was found between measured muscle activity and pain levels reported by the patient. Conclusion: Physical therapists should consider the use of postural taping as a compliment to existing physical therapy protocols for the treatment of chronic neck and upper back pain when rehabilitation efforts are targeted at the restoration of normal and efficient muscle recruitment for the alleviation of the patient's pain.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 1998 |
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| Original language | English |
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