Effectiveness of kinesiotaping in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) with or without co-interventions for clinical outcomes in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Data sources: Eight databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, PEDro, LILACS, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched from inception until March 2021. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: Clinical trials that determine the effectiveness of KT with or without co-interventions for clinical outcomes in patients with SIS who are older than 18 years of age. Results: Ten trials for the quantitative analysis were included. For pain intensity at 1–3 weeks, the overall pooled MD was −0.73 cm, 95% CI = −1.50 to 0.04 (p = 0.06), and at 3–6 weeks, it was −0.13 cm, 95% CI = −1.37 to 0.36 (p = 0.25). For shoulder function, the MD was −0.02, 95%CI = −0.30 to 0.26 (p = 0.89). For shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) flexion, the MD was −16.70, 95% CI = −0.52 to 33.92 (p = 0.06). Additionally, there was a low to moderate quality of evidence according to the GRADE rating. Conclusion: Kinesiotaping with or without co-interventions was not superior to other interventions for improving shoulder pain intensity, function and ROM flexion in patients with SIS.