Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Motor Function in Children

Disability and Rehabilitation published a research review on the effects of elastic therapeutic taping on motor function in children.  Twelve clinical studies published in the last 10 years involving elastic therapeutic taping and children aged 0-12 years with motor impairments were included.  The motor impairments included  studies on cerebral palsy (7), congenital muscular torticollis (2) and brachial plexus palsy (2).

The researchers determined that positive results were associated with taping application with regards to:

• improvement in the upper limb function
• gross motor skills
• postural control
• muscular balance
• performance in the dynamics functional and daily activities

The elastic therapeutic taping has been shown to be a promising adjunct resource to the conventional rehabilitation in children with motor impairments although randomized control trials and well-established protocols are needed for elastic therapeutic taping for specific clinical conditions.

Reference:  Cunha, A. B., Lima-Alvarez, C. D. D., Rocha, A. C. P., & Tudella, E. (2017). Effects of elastic therapeutic taping on motor function in children with motor impairments: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-9.

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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]