The Effects of Dynamic Taping Combined With Corrective Exercises on Cervical Proprioception and Muscle Imbalance in Patients With Upper Crossed Syndrome
The Effects of Blood Flow Restriction-based Abdominal draw-in Maneuver on Activation of Abdominal Core Muscles in Patients With Non-specific Low Back Pain
1 other identifier
interventional
36
1 country
1
Brief Summary
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.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable
Started Mar 2025
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
March 13, 2025
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
June 11, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
September 19, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
July 15, 2026
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
July 31, 2026
September 19, 2025
September 1, 2025
1.3 years
June 11, 2025
September 17, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (2)
Posture (CVA and SSA and Kyphosis Angle)
The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and shoulder sagittal angle (SSA) were measured using the Physiomaster mobile application. During the measurement, the examiner positioned the smartphone to align the subject's image with the vertical and horizontal reference lines on the screen and then captured a photograph. The anatomical landmarks used for angle determination included the lateral canthus of the eye, the tragus of the ear, the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and the midpoint of the line connecting the acromial processes. The thoracic kyphosis angle was measured using the Angle Meter mobile application. First, the device was calibrated to 0°. The smartphone was then placed at the level just inferior to T1 and subsequently at the level superior to T12. The kyphosis angle was calculated by summing the two measured angles.
Participants were assessed at time points: prior to the intervention (baseline), immediately three weeks after the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up.
Cervical Proprioception
Cervical proprioception was assessed using the Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) test with a cervical range of motion (CROM) device. Participants were instructed to adopt and recognize the neutral head position (0°). The head was then passively guided to 30° of flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. After each movement, participants actively returned to the perceived neutral position under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The repositioning error was defined as the angular difference between the actual and the perceived 0° position
Participants were assessed at time points: prior to the intervention (baseline), immediately three weeks after the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up.
Study Arms (4)
Combined Dynamic Taping and Corrective Exercise (DT+EX Group)
EXPERIMENTALParticipants 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.
Dynamic Taping (DT Group)
ACTIVE COMPARATORParticipants 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.
Corrective Exercise Group (EX Group)
ACTIVE COMPARATORParticipants 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.
Control Group
NO INTERVENTIONParticipants 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.
Interventions
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.
A 75 cm diameter Swiss ball was used to provide an unstable surface during the exercise intervention.
During the exercise intervention, 1 kg and 2 kg dumbbells were used as external resistance.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Age: \>20years
- Craniovertebral angle (CVA) of \<48
- Sagittal plane acromial angle of \<52°
You may not qualify if:
- 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
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Department of Physical Therapy of China Medical University
Taichung, Beitun, 406040, Taiwan
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- PARTICIPANT
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
June 11, 2025
First Posted
September 19, 2025
Study Start
March 13, 2025
Primary Completion (Estimated)
July 15, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
July 31, 2026
Last Updated
September 19, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-09