Repositioning the scapula with taping following distal radius fracture: Kinematic analysis using 3-dimensional motion system.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional and controlled laboratory study using pretest-posttest design.

INTRODUCTION

Patients with distal radius fracture (DRfx) report proximal segment problems. Taping is commonly recommended because it provides improved posture and function.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the 3-dimensional scapular kinematics and the effect of taping on the kinematics in participants with DRfx.

METHODS

Twenty participants with a unilateral history of DRfx and 20 healthy controls participated. Scapular kinematics was assessed using an electromagnetic system. Three separate strips of elastic taping were applied for participants with DRfx over the arm, scapula, and middle and lower trapezius muscles through the paravertebral muscles. Afterward, the scapular kinematics was reassessed in taped condition.

RESULTS

When participants with DRfx and healthy controls compared, the scapula was more downwardly rotated at 120° of humerothoracic elevation (mean difference [MD], 9.06°) and at 120° (MD, 9.04°), 90° (MD, 5.6°) of humerothoracic lowering, more upwardly rotated at 30° of humerothoracic lowering (MD, 5.1°). Taping showed a significant effect on kinematics; specifically, the scapula was more externally rotated (38.9° untaped vs 31.1° taped) and posteriorly tilted (-9.2° untaped vs -4.8° taped) during humerothoracic elevation and lowering for participants with DRfx.

DISCUSSION

Participants with DRfx showed different scapular kinematics and taping resulted in changes on tested kinematic parameters during humeral movements. Differences in scapular motion during elevation with taping showed a specific pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, taping maintained a position likely to produce optimal rotator cuff function during early rehabilitation of patients with DRfx.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.