Effects of Kinesio® Taping

Recent research compared two groups of children with cerebral palsy with and without Kinesio® taping. Fifteen children with cerebral palsy (Levels III, IV and V) received Kinesio® taping and physical therapy for 12 weeks. The control group of 15 children, again Levels III, IV and V, only received physical therapy for 12 weeks. Initially and after the 12 weeks of treatment, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) and Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS) were performed. The results showed significant differences in the GMFCS sitting subscale,GMFCS total score and SAS scores in both groups. The SAS scores were significantly higher than the control group. The WeeFIM scores were significantly higher post 12 weeks in the Kinesio® taping group whereas the control group scores on the WeeFIM did not change from initial assessment to post 12 weeks of treatment. Overall, no direct changes were seen in gross motor skills and functional independence with the use of the Kinesio® taping but sitting posture showed improvements.

Reference: Simşek TT, Türkücüoğlu B, Cokal N, Ustünbaş G, Simşek IE.The effects of Kinesio® taping on sitting posture, functional independence and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Disabil Rehabil. 2011 Mar 14. [Epub ahead of print]