Background: The application of Kinesio tape (KT) has become an alternative treatment for the reduction of edema owing to its distinct characteristics that mimic skin behavior. Although many studies have found that KT application has a positive effect on edema related to breast cancer and rehabilitation following mandibular third molar surgery, there is little evidence to support the use of KT for musculoskeletal injuries. Objects: The purpose of this study was to review the literature related to KT application for reducing edema caused by musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A literature search (July 2022) was performed on PubMed for articles published between January 2012 and June 2022. The following keywords were used: “Kinesio taping,” “Kinesio tape,” “swelling,” and “edema,” with different combinations and derivations. Only articles available in English were included in this study. Results: Among 68 identified studies, seven met our search strategy and criteria and were included in the literature review. Five of these studies investigated musculoskeletal disorders of the knee joint; two of them reported that KT application had a positive effect on edema measured using perimetry following total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the KT application did not improve swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains. Pediatric patients with acute proximal phalangeal joint sprain experienced a more significant improvement in the reduction of swelling than the group using a splint. Conclusion: This literature review found discrepant evidence to support using KT for edema control in musculoskeletal disorders. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of KT for controlling edema following musculoskeletal injuries.

The aim of this study to investigate the effects of craniocervical flexion on muscle activities of scapular upward rotators during push-up plus exercise in subjects with winging scapula. Eighteen males with scapular winging were recruited, and each subject performed knee push-up plus and other exercises, in two conditions (craniocervical flexion vs. natural head positions). A surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure upper trapezius (UT), serratus anterior (SA), and lower trapezius (LT) muscle activity. A paired t-test was used to determine the statistical significance between the different condition with/without applying of craniocervical flexion. UT EMG activity significantly decreased and SA EMG activity significantly increased during knee push-up plus involving the craniocervical flexion compared to the natural head position. However, no significant differences (p>.05) were found in the activity of the LT muscle. The UT/SA ratios with and without craniocervical flexion showed a significant difference (p<.05). These results showed that the knee push-up plus other exercises performed with craniocervical flexion could strengthen the serratus anterior muscle and minimize the activity of the UT muscle.

The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity levels of the scapular upward rotators [upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA)] and other scapular muscles [posterior deltoid (PD), levator scapulae (LS), and infraspinatus (IS)] during isometric lower trapezius exercises. Twenty males with no medical history of shoulder pain or upper extremity disorders were recruited for this study. EMG activity was recorded from the UT, LT, SA, PD, LS, and IS while subjects performed three different exercises: Prone arm lift (PAL), Backward rocking diagonal arm lift (BRDAL), Modified Prone Cobra (MPC). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine any significant differences among the three exercises. A lower relative activation of UT, LT, and SA was seen with the MPC than with the other exercises (p<.05). The relatively lower activation of the UT identified, the MPC exercise as the preferred choice for preferential strengthening the LT (p<.05). However, a higher activation in the PD, LS, and IS occurred with the MPC than with the other exercises (p>.05). The recruitment pattern of synergist varied depending on the exercise posture. These findings suggest that exercise posture is an important factor in the selection of strengthening exercise for weak muscle.

This study investigated the relationships between Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), contributing factors, and the occupational stress of physical therapists. Self-reported questionnaires were given to 180 physical therapists in Gangwon Province. Variables examined included the prevalence of pain sites related to WMSDs; pain intensity; pain pattern; and job stress, which is thought to involve the physical environment; job demand; insufficient job control; interpersonal conflict; job insecurity; organizational system; reward system; and occupational culture. Among physical therapists, work-related musculoskeletal pain commonly affected the low back (30.1%), shoulder (29.3%), and wrist (12.2%). The sites of work-related musculoskeletal pain treated medically were the low back (22.8%), shoulder (19.8%), neck (12.7%), and wrist (12.1%). "Repeating the same work constantly" was suggested to be the major cause of the pain. The younger therapists were significantly more likely to feel high job stress due to the physical environment (p<.05), job demand (p<.05), and organizational system (p<.01). Women were more likely to feel greater job stress related to job demand, insufficient job control, the organization system, and job rewards. Men were more likely to feel greater job stress related to job insecurity. Weak positive relationships were observed between work-related musculoskeletal pain and job stress, which is thought to involve the physical environment; job demand; insufficient job control; interpersonal conflict; job insecurity; organizational system; reward system; and occupational culture. Physical therapists appear to be at higher risk of WMSDs because 80.1% of the physical therapists studied experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain. To reduce the risk, we need intervention strategies such as preventive education, ergonomically designed medical equipment, a psychosocial approach to work conditions, improved mechanical conditions related to therapeutic patterns, and an institutional infrastructure with sufficient personnel and scheduling.