Immediate effects of thoracic postural correction taping on sensorimotor and respiratory functions in healthy office workers with forward head posture- A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Background

Forward head posture can create problems with sensory motor functions, breathing pattern, and thoracic kyphosis. Thoracic taping is a procedure that provides mechanical correction to reduce the load on the spine and the muscles. There is a lack of evidence that assesses the immediate effect of the postural correction on sensorimotor functions and respiratory functions in office workers.

Methods

A Randomized Controlled Trial among Healthy Males and Females in the age group of 25 - 50 years, with jobs that involve prolonged sitting hours on the desk or in front of a Visual Display Unit (VDA) and Subjects with Forward Head Posture. The subjects were then randomly allocated into two groups. Group A was taped using a rigid tape and Group B with Placebo taping. The outcomes of taping were assessed using joint position error, BESS Score, Thoracic Kyphosis Angle and MARM.

Results

The experimental group showed significant decrease in BESS score, thoracic kyphosis, Joint Position Error and MARM Balance (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group. In both the study groups, there has been some decline in BESS Score and MARM Balance after corresponding treatment (p < 0.05) for except Thoracic Kyphosis and Joint Position Error in the control group (p > 0.05). These parameters were significantly higher in the Thoracic Postural correction taping group.

Conclusion

Thoracic Correction Taping can be an effective method in improving the somatosensory functions, Thoracic Kyphosis angle, and breathing pattern.