The Effects of Kinesio Tape Application With Different Verbal Input Given to With Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear

Istanbul University, Faculty of Health Science, Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

The aim of the study to investigate the effectiveness KT application with different verbal inputs on pain, function and range of motion (ROM) on patient with rotator cuff tear.

Rotator cuff tears are most common of shoulder pain and functional limitations. Kinesio tape (KT) are frequently used in the conservative treatment of shoulder pathology. Even if some studies showed that KT is effective on pain, we think that it is due to positive thoughts of the patients about KT. The aim of the study to investigate the effectiveness KT application with different verbal inputs on pain, function and range of motion (ROM) on patient with rotator cuff tear. 97 patients (Group 1, n=32; Group 2, n=33, Group 3, n=32) were randomized into 3 groups according to verbal input given to patients about the effectiveness of KT; Group 1 (it has been limited evidence of KT is effective), Group 2 (it has been not known that KT is effective or not), Group 3 (it has been known that KT has excellent result). The same standard KT was applied to 3 groups. The rest, night and pain in activity were assessed by Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) before, after 30 min and 24 hours after KT application. ROM assessed by goniometer and the function was evaluated by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery score (ASES) before and 24 hours of KT application. Minimal clinically important difference and effective were calculated for the assessments used in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients were included in the study if they had a partial rotator cuff tear diagnosed on clinical grounds
• No episodes of shoulder instability
• No radiographic signs of fracture of the glenoid or the greater or lesser tuberosity MRI evidence of cuff tear
• Duration of symptoms of at least 3 months,
• Inadequate response to nonoperative management (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, rest, and 1 local corticosteroid injection) Positive empty can test indicating possible supraspinatus involvement
• Positive Hawkins-Kennedy test indicating possible external impingement, -Subjective complaint of difficulty performing activities of daily living
• 20 to 50 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients were excluded from the study if they had inflammatory joint disease -Rheumatologic disease Osteoarthritis of humerus head
• Prior surgery on the affected shoulder
• Inability to complete questionnaires because of language problem or cognitive disorder
• Shoulder girdle fracture
• Glenohumeral dislocation/subluxation
• Acromioclavicular sprain
• Concomitant cervical spine symptoms
• A history of shoulder surgery
• Patients who did not accept to participate
• Patients who did not come to the second evaluation.