Modern Methods for Postural Correction: The Impact of Kinesio Taping and Corrective Exercises on Dentists-A...

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combination of comprehensive corrective exercises and Kifnesio taping on postural abnormalities in dentists with forward head postures, as a group with a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders caused by incorrect working postures.

This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test-posttest control group design. The participants were dentists from Rasht, Iran, with more than 5 years of professional experience. Thirty dentists with forward head posture (FHP) (angle > 46°) volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (n = 15 per group). The experimental group performed corrective exercises with the KT method for 8 weeks (three sessions per week). The comprehensive corrective exercise protocol included integrated release and strengthening exercises aimed at postural muscles. KT was applied in a U-shaped taping on the upper trapezius and cervical spine. The control group did not receive any intervention. In the pre-test and posttest stages, the evaluated variables were FHP and kyphosis angle. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA at a confidence level of 99%, with a statistical significance of (p < 0.01) by SPSS V25.

The results indicated significant differences in the dentists' FHP (p = 0.001, effect Size = 0.61), rounded shoulder (p = 0.007, effect size = 0.23), kyphosis angle (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.61), and scapular position 0° (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.44), 45° (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.36), 90° (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.32).

In conclusion, dentists' postural alignment significantly improved when a comprehensive corrective exercise was implemented together with concurrent KT of the thoracic and scapular regions. Specifically, there were clear improvements in thoracic kyphosis, forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and scapular alignment, indicating that the intervention was successful in correcting typical musculoskeletal abnormalities in this population. Trial registration: IR.SSRI.REC.2021.1208; dated: 24.08.2021.