Abstract
BackgroundKinesiology taping is an increasingly popular technique used as an adjunct to physiotherapy intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP), but as yet we do not have a review of the available evidence as to its efficacy.ObjectivesTo critically appraise and establish best available evidence for the efficacy of truncal application of kinesiology taping combined with physiotherapy, versus physiotherapy alone, on gross motor function (GMF) in children with CP.MethodSeven databases were searched using the terms CP, kinesio taping and/or kinesiology tape and/or taping, physiotherapy and/or physical therapy and GMF. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included and appraised using the PEDro scale. Revman© Review Manager was used to combine effects for GMF in sitting, standing and activities of daily living.ResultsFive level IIB RCTs that scored 3–6/8 on the PEDro scale were included. Meta-analysis showed that taping was effective for improving GMF in sitting and standing as measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (B) (p < 0.001) and (D) (p < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionThere is moderate evidence to support kinesiology taping applied to the trunk as an effective intervention when used as an adjunct to physiotherapy to improve GMF in children with CP, especially those with GMF Classification Scale levels I and II, and particularly for improving sitting control.Clinical implicationsKinesiology taping is a useful adjunct to physiotherapy intervention in higher functioning children with CP. Current evidence however is weak and further research into methods of truncal application is recommended.
Highlights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) typically present with motor impairments including tone abnormalities, muscle weakness and increased reflexes (Bax et al 2005) that lead to postural balance deficits and coordination problems adversely affecting self-care, mobility, social functioning and participation (Rosenbaum et al 2007)
One intervention not included in Novak et al.’s (2013) review was that of kinesiology taping (KT) – an increasingly popular technique used in both child and adult rehabilitation (Morris et al 2013)
It is recommended that the type of application of KT be considered when using this as an adjunct to physiotherapy treatment, as described by the studies
Summary
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) typically present with motor impairments including tone abnormalities, muscle weakness and increased reflexes (Bax et al 2005) that lead to postural balance deficits and coordination problems adversely affecting self-care, mobility, social functioning and participation (Rosenbaum et al 2007). One intervention not included in Novak et al.’s (2013) review was that of kinesiology taping (KT) – an increasingly popular technique used in both child and adult rehabilitation (Morris et al 2013). It is hypothesised that KT application may enhance muscle and myofascial functions and influence cutaneous mechanoreceptors by providing constant afferent stimulation. This allows more sensory information to flow to the central nervous system for integration in the presence of mechanical loads, resulting in improved voluntary control and coordination (Morris et al 2013). Kinesiology taping is an increasingly popular technique used as an adjunct to physiotherapy intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP), but as yet we do not have a review of the available evidence as to its efficacy
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