The effects of scapular taping on electromyographic muscle activity and proprioception feedback in healthy shoulders

We investigated the effects of scapular tape on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), anterior deltoid (AD), and shoulder proprioception in 12 healthy shoulders. Participants were blindfolded and required to complete a target end/mid range position with the hand. They performed six trials under two experimental conditions; no tape and therapeutic tape. EMG activity was measured by surface electrodes, and proprioception was measured by the FASTRAK electromagnetic motion tracking system. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA showed that UT and AD activities decreased 2.65% (p = 0.001), and SA muscular activities increased 1.9% (p = 0.015) in the taping condition. The proprioceptive feedback magnitude was significantly lower in the taping condition than in the no taping condition (11.9°, p