Objective: Mechanical neck dysfunction (MND) is a major health burden. Although postural correction exercises (PCEs) are commonly used for its treatment, efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) has received considerable attention. This study was conducted to determine the effect of KT and PCEs on levator scapula (LS) electromyography.

Methods: Ninety-one patients with MND were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 groups that received 4 weeks' treatment: group A, KT; group B, PCE; and group C, both interventions. Neck pain, LS root mean square (RMS), and median frequency (MDF) were measured pretreatment and post-treatment with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and surface electromyography, respectively, by an assessor blinded to the patients' allocation.

Results: Multivariate analysis of variance indicates a statistically significant group-by-time interaction (P = .000). Pain intensity was significantly reduced in group C more than in group B (P = .001). Mean values of RMS were significantly reduced in group C compared to both group A (P = .001) and group B (P = .022), whereas MDF was significantly increased in group C compared to either group A (P = .00) or group B (P = .026), and in group B compared to group A (P = 0.26). A paired t test revealed that there was a significant decrease in pain and RMS, and a significant increase in MDF in all groups (P < .01).

Conclusion: Application of both KT and PCE combined can significantly reduce neck pain and normalize LS activities in patients with MND more than the application of either intervention.

Author keywords: Cervical Pain; Exercise; Kinesio Tape; Electromyography

Author affiliations: AME: Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt; ARI: Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt; Physiotherapy Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia; HME: Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt; Dean, Faculty of physical therapy, Suez University, Egypt; HAH: Department of Orthopedics, Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Egypt; OME: Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Egypt

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