Kinesio Taping and Postural Correction: Effects on Kyphosis, Chest Expansion, and Quality of Life: Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: Postural kyphosis is a prevalent health concern that significantly impacts the quality of life in adolescents. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of kinesio taping on postural kyphosis, forward head posture, chest expansion, and overall quality of life in adolescents. Methods: Fifty-one female adolescents, aged 15 to 18 years, with postural kyphosis, were recruited from Benha Teaching Hospital. Participants had a kyphotic angle ranging from 42° to 50°, displayed forward head posture with a craniovertebral angle of < 50°, and a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m². All participants had similar socioeconomic backgrounds. The participants were randomly assigned to either the control or study group. Both groups underwent a 12-week physical therapy protocol, including strengthening, stretching, breathing exercises, and posture correction, with sessions lasting 45 minutes, three times per week. In addition to physical therapy, the study group received kinesio taping to the upper back muscles. Kyphotic angle, forward head posture, chest expansion, and quality of life were assessed pre-and post-treatment using an inclinometer, goniometer, tape measure, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in all outcome measures post-treatment (p < 0.05). Comparisons of post-treatment mean values revealed significant improvements in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Kinesio taping, when used in conjunction with a physical therapy program, may contribute to improved kyphotic curvature, forward head posture, chest expansion, and quality of life in adolescents with postural kyphosis. These findings suggest that kinesio taping can be a beneficial adjunct in managing postural kyphosis in adolescents. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID (NCT06246474), retrospectively registered on January 30, 2024.