OBJECTIVE: Shortness of the pectoralis minor (PM) is a potential mechanism underlying shoulder impingement syndrome. Few studies have examined the effects of Kinesiotaping and stretching exercise on PM length or index. This systematic review and network meta-analysis investigated the effects of stretching exercise and Kinesiotaping on PM length and index in adults. METHODS: This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomised controlled trials including adults with or without symptomatic shoulders were included. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 statistics, and publication bias was evaluated by constructing a funnel plot. RESULTS: We extracted data from six randomised controlled trials that included 263 participants (age range 18 to 50 years). Compared with usual care, Kinesiotaping resulted in greater improvement in PM length (mean difference 1.15 cm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 2.10 cm). Compared with usual care and Kinesiotaping, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching increased PMI significantly, with a mean difference of 1.40 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.63) and 1.08 (95% CI 0.29 to 1.87) cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared with no intervention, Kinesiotaping is beneficial for lengthening the PM. Intervention with static stretching alone has no effect on PM length. Compared with Kinesiotaping alone and no intervention, PNF stretching increases PMI.

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