Single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study. To examine the changes in pectoralis minor length (PML), the supine measurement of rounded shoulder posture (RSP), and the total scapular distance (TSD) in seated male workers with RSP, after rounded-shoulder-taping (RST) using kinesiology tape with (experimental taping) and without stretch (placebo taping). RSP, a postural impairment, is a known cause of upper quarter pain. Fourteen men with RSP, who worked for at least 7 h/d in a seated position, were selected for RST, with the shoulders randomly assigned to two kinesiology taping methods: (1) with 35-40% stretch of its original length; and (2) without stretch. The PML, supine measurements of RSP, and TSD, before and after kinesiology taping, with and without stretch, were assessed. Kinesiology taping with stretch significantly increased the PML and significantly decreased the supine measurement of RSP and TSD; kinesiology taping without stretch did not increase the PML significantly and did not decrease the supine measurement of RSP and TSD. RST using kinesiology tape with stretch produces immediate mechanical correction of RSP in seated male workers.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been used to improve swallowing function in neurologic patients with dysphagia, but its effect on patients with dysphagia and Parkinson’s disease remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the effect of effortful swallowing combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation as a novel treatment approach in dysphagic patients with Parkinson’s disease. METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group ( n = 9) or a placebo group ( n = 9). The experimental group simultaneously received neuromuscular electrical stimulation with effortful swallowing, while the placebo group received sham neuromuscular electrical stimulation with effortful swallowing. All participants received the treatment for 30 min/day at five sessions per week for 4 weeks. Both groups also received the same conventional dysphagia therapy. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant differences in horizontal movement ( p = 0.038) and vertical movement ( p = 0.042) compared to the placebo group, but showed no significant differences in the oral ( p = 0.648) or pharyngeal phase ( p = 0.329) of the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale compared to the placebo group, except for the Penetration-Aspiration Scale ( p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied to the infrahyoid region combined with effortful swallowing effectively increased hyoid bone movement and reduced aspiration in dysphagic patients with Parkinson’s disease.