The Effect of McConnell Shoulder Taping on EMG Activity and Torque Production of the Shoulder Muscles in Subjects With Anterior Shoulder Instability

August 14, 2007

Institutional Review Board, Hospital for Special Surgery

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Principal Investigator

Sherry I. Backus PT, DPT, MA

Co-Investigators

Robin Stoller M.S., P.T.
Frank A. Cordasco, MD
Howard Hillstrom, Ph.D
Doreen Stiskal, PhD
 Lee Cabel, PhD

Summary

24 subjects with anterior shoulder instability will undergo one testing session of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes with no follow-up session.  Subjects will have the EMG activity of  10 shoulder girdle muscles tested using a combination of fine wire and surface electrodes during three isokinetic movement patterns (Scaption, IR/ER @ 45 and 90 degrees abduction) over three conditions: baseline (no intervention), McConnell shoulder taping for anterior shoulder instability and sham taping (placebo).  Outcome variables include EMG amplitude and onset time and torque production over the three conditions.  This study is designed to determine the efficacy of using shoulder taping for the treatment of non-surgical anterior shoulder instability.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria:

• A positive finding on any of the following anterior shoulder instability clinical tests: load and shift, fulcrum, anterior drawer test; or the apprehension and relocation tests;
• A negative sulcus sign for multidirectional instability;
• A negative clinical or radiologic exam for a Bankart lesion or a rotator cuff tear;
• A VAS pain score of 3 or less upon shoulder ROM testing;
• Passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder to be tested within 10% of the unaffected side;
• Ages 18-40 years of age.
   

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous shoulder anterior stabilization surgery
• Evidence of existing rotator cuff tear or labral tears (based on the physician examination or related diagnostic testing)
• Pregnancy
• Recent (within the past 6 months) or current use of prescription blood thinners (such as warfarin)Allergies to tape
  Allergies to metal
• < 18 years of age
• > 40 years of age
• VAS pain scale > 3
• Subjects who are currently being treated by any of the investigators
• Subjects who have experience with shoulder taping in the past

Contact Information

Sherry I Backus P.T, DPT, MA
 backuss@hss.edu
 212.606.1215

Robin Stoller M.S., P.T.
 212.675.8355