Year: 2026 | Month: June | Volume: 16 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 291-302
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260632
Effect of Kinesiology Taping and Active Stretching Among College Students with Rounded Shoulder and Its Impact on Craniovertebral Angle - A Comparative Study
Ashraf.Y1, Aswin Siva Kumar2, Jeseema Begum.A3, Sangeetha.M3, Shanthini.P3
1PSG College of Physiotherapy, 2Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, 3Independent Researcher Coimbatore, India.
Corresponding Author: Aswin Siva Kumar
ABSTRACT
Background: Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP), characterized by anterior acromial displacement and scapular protraction, is a common postural deviation among college students, largely attributed to sedentary habits and prolonged digital device use. This condition alters scapulothoracic kinematics, increases cervical loading, and contributes to musculoskeletal discomfort. Although Kinesio Taping (KT) and Active Stretching (AS) have been used individually to correct postural imbalances, limited evidence compares their combined effects.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping combined with Active Stretching (KT + AS) versus Active Stretching (AS) on Pain intensity (NPRS - Numerical Pain Rating Scale), Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), and Forward Shoulder Angle (FSA) among college students with RSP.
Methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 70 college students (19–25 years) with rounded shoulder posture (FSA ≥ 52°). Participants were randomly assigned to the KT + AS or AS group and received 12 sessions over four weeks. Pain intensity (NPRS) and postural parameters (CVA and FSA) were assessed, with CVA and FSA measured using Kinovea photogrammetric analysis (version 0.8.15). Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Seventy participants (mean age: 20.84 ± 0.95 years) completed the study. Significant within-group improvements were observed in NPRS, CVA and FSA following the intervention in both groups (p < 0.001). In the KT+AS group, FSA decreased from 55.68 ± 1.87° to 50.68 ± 3.26°, CVA increased from 50.92 ± 2.90° to 54.06 ± 4.51°, and NPRS scores decreased from 3.54 ± 1.19 to 2.84 ± 1.35. Similarly, in the AS group, FSA decreased from 51.40 ± 2.08° to 47.12 ± 3.31°, CVA increased from 51.86 ± 3.30° to 54.72 ± 4.62°, and NPRS scores decreased from 3.28 ± 1.47 to 2.62 ± 1.47. Between-group analysis revealed a significant difference in FSA change scores favoring the KT+AS group (p < 0.05), while no significant between-group differences were observed for CVA or NPRS.
Conclusion: Both interventions effectively improved posture and reduced pain in college students with RSP. The addition of KT enhanced shoulder alignment, highlighting the importance of individualized, anthropometric-based rehabilitation strategies for postural correction.
Key words: Rounded Shoulder Posture; Kinesio Taping; Active Stretching; Craniovertebral Angle; Forward Shoulder Angle; College Students