Immediate Effects of Myofascial Release and Kinesio Taping on Shoulder Posture and Range of Motion in Women with Rounded Shoulder Posture

Abstract

Background: Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal deviation among young women and is often associated with prolonged sitting, poor posture, and insufficient physical activity. Identifying effective interventions for rapid postural correction is clinically important. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of myofascial release (MFR) and Kinesio taping (KT) on shoulder posture and range of motion (ROM) in women with RSP. Methods: Thirty-six female university students aged 18 - 28 years with RSP were assigned to three groups: control, MFR, and KT (n = 12 each). Shoulder posture indices, including forward shoulder height (FSH) and the lateral scapular slide test (LSST), as well as shoulder ROM (flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation), were assessed before and immediately after the interventions. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results: Both MFR and KT significantly improved shoulder ROM and reduced FSH and LSST compared with the control group (P < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.45 - 0.56). Post hoc analyses indicated large effect sizes for flexion and abduction (Cohen's d = 0.82 - 0.95) and moderate effect sizes for internal and external rotation (d = 0.64 - 0.78). No significant differences were observed between the MFR and KT groups (P > 0.05; d < 0.20). Conclusions: Myofascial release and Kinesio taping both produce immediate improvements in shoulder alignment and mobility in women with rounded shoulder posture. These findings suggest that either intervention may be an effective option for rapid postural correction and functional enhancement.