The skin will first be properly cleaned with rubbing alcohol. An I-shaped strip of Kinesio tape with a 5-cm width was applied over the middle trapezius from origin to insertion in the KT group. Kinesio-tape size was measured from the T3 spinal process to the acromion, while the subject is in sitting position relaxed with the arm at the trunk side. The subject was then instructed to move the arm into horizontal adduction and neck flexion. At this position, the tape was applied involving the middle trapezius, ending on the acromion, with 50% tension as recommended for this technique.

Kinesio-tape was applied with no tension and technique on the middle trapezius.

The resistance of the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles to fatigue was assessed using the scapular muscle endurance test.

The resistance of the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles to fatigue was assessed using the scapular muscle endurance test. Subjects were in standing position with their shoulders and elbows flexed to 90°, and they were instructed to hold a dynamometer between their hands. The scapula was placed in a neutral position, and an adjustable spacer was set between their elbows to maintain the test position. Then, the subjects were asked to externally rotate the shoulders to attain a 1-kg load and to maintain this force, which was displayed on the dynamometer. The test was terminated when the subjects were unable to maintain the resistance and dropped the adjustable spacer, failed to maintain the 90° shoulder flexion, or reported an unbearable discomfort. The test was carried out twice and the average result recorded in seconds.

Upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) muscle strengths were tested using a hand-held digital dynamometer (Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester, Model 01165). Strength of these muscles was assessed with the "break test method," in which the subject resisted the prescribed motion until the examiner overcame the subject's isometric contraction. Test position of trapezius and serratus anterior muscles was described by Ekstrom et al. Following a familiarization test, subjects performed two trials with standardized verbal encouragement, and the average value of the 2 trials was used for statistical analysis.