NCT07364591

Immediate Effect of Kinesiotaping With Rounded Shoulder Posture in University Students

Immediate Effect of Kinesiotaping With Rounded Shoulder Posture in University Students: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Selcuk University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Posture is maintained through the interaction of the musculoskeletal system, visual input, vestibular function, and proprioception to provide optimal balance with minimal energy expenditure. Various factors, including prolonged static sitting, unsuitable work environments, prolonged screen use, and low physical activity levels, may contribute to postural misalignment, particularly in student populations. Rounded shoulder posture is commonly associated with muscle imbalance, altered scapular alignment, pain in the neck and shoulder region, reduced range of motion, and functional limitations. Kinesio taping is a physiotherapy intervention commonly used in orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Proposed effects include facilitation of proper muscular and fascial alignment, enhancement of proprioceptive feedback, and potential improvement in posture and movement quality. However, evidence regarding the immediate effects of kinesio taping on posture-related outcomes in individuals with rounded shoulder posture remains limited. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the immediate effects of kinesio taping on posture, shoulder range of motion, and proprioception in students with rounded shoulder posture.

Conditions

• Rounded Shoulder Posture
• Kinesio Taping

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Kinesiotaping	Elastic kinesiology tape will be applied by a licensed physiotherapist with experience in taping. With the participant standing in scapular retraction and neutral posture, a Y- or I-strip is placed from the anterior aspect of the acromion toward the spinous process of T10, with 30-40% stretch over the mid-portion and 0% tension on anchors. A second overlay strip will be applied along the same path with 30-40% stretch to augment the mechanical cue. Skin will be cleaned and dried; hair trimmed if needed. Tape will be rubbed to activate adhesive. Total application time ≈3-5 minutes. Tape remains in place during immediate (≤3 minutes) and short-term (\~30 minutes) assessments and is then removed. Adverse skin reactions will be monitored; tape will be removed immediately if irritation occurs.
OTHER	Kinesiotaping(no tension)	The sham application is performed in the same area and configuration as the experimental arm; however, the strip is applied completely without tension (0%) along its length and does not provide a therapeutic mechanical cue. To maintain blinding, a second strip is applied along the same path with 0% tension and approximately 50% overlap. Skin preparation and application-removal procedures are identical to the experimental condition. The tape remains in place during the immediate (≤3 minutes) and short-term (\~30 minutes) assessments and is then removed.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-01
• Primary completion: 2026-05-30
• Completion: 2026-12-30
• First posted: 2026-01-23
• Last updated: 2026-01-28