The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy | Volume 10, Number 4 | August 2015 | Page 420 ABSTRACT Background: Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Non-elastic taping (NET) and kinesiology taping (KT) are common interventions used by physiotherapists. However, evidence regarding their efficacy is inconclusive. Objective: To examine the current evidence on the clinical efficacy of taping, either NET or KT, for the treatment of individuals with RC tendinopathy. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis Methods: A literature search was conducted in four bibliographical databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared NET or KT to any other intervention or placebo for treatment of RC tendinopathy. Internal validity of RCTs was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A qualitative or quantitative synthesis of evidence was performed. Results: Ten trials were included in the present review on overall pain reduction or improvement in function. Most RCTs had a high risk of bias. There is inconclusive evidence for NET, either used alone or in conjunction with another intervention. Based on pooled results of two studies (n=72), KT used alone resulted in significant gain in pain free flexion (MD: 8.7° 95%CI 8.0° to 9.5°) and in pain free abduction (MD: 10.3° 95%CI 9.1° to 11.4°). Based on qualitative analyses, there is inconclusive evidence on the efficacy of KT when used alone or in conjunction with other interventions on overall pain reduction or improvement in function. Conclusion: Although KT significantly improved pain free range of motion, there is insufficient evidence to formally conclude on the efficacy of KT or NET used alone or in conjunction with other interventions in patients with RC tendinopathy. Level of Evidence: Therapy, level 1a Keywords: Rotator cuff, taping, tendinopathy IJSPT SYSTEMATIC REVIEW THE EFFICACY OF TAPING FOR ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS Ariel Desjardins-Charbonneau, PT, MSc 1 Jean-Sébastien Roy, PT, PhD 2,3 Clermont E. Dionne, OT, PhD 2,4 François Desmeules, PT, PhD 1,6 1 Orthopaedic Clinical Research Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal Affiliated Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2 Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 3 Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 4 Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé (SP-POS), Laval University Hospital (CHU) Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 6 School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Financial support has been provided by the Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité au Travail (IRSST) and the Réseau Provincial de Recherche en Adaptation- Réadaptation (REPAR). ADC is supported by a fellowship from the Ordre de la Physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). CORRESPONDING AUTHOR François Desmeules, PT, PhD Unité de recherche clinique en orthopédie/ Orthopaedic clinical research unit Centre de recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CRHMR) 5415 Blvd L’Assomption, Pav. Rachel Tourigny, bureau/office 4163 Montréal, QC H1T 2M4 Téléphone / Phone: 514 252-3400, # 5607 Télécopieur/ Fax: 514 254-7455 E-mail: f.desmeules@umontreal.ca