Effects of kinesio taping on plantar flexors spasticity after 48 hours of application Among spastic cerebral palsy children

Abstract

Background: Cerebral Palsy describes as a group of permanent disorders of the development of movements and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed to non progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy. Spasticity is the most common movement disorder of children with cerebralpalsy. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is a clinical scale used to assess muscle spasticity that is in commonly used in many rehabilitation facilities and spasticity clinics. The instrument, which is used for measuring the range of motion of the joint, is called as “Goniometer”. Kinesiotape is an alternative taping technique commonly used clinically to try and achieve reduce pain, drain swelling, improve posture, improve function, facilitate early return to activity or sport, improve sporting performance, and improve range of motion and function.

Objective: The objective of the present study is to improve the range of motion (ROM) of Plantar Flexion and Dorsi Flexion of ankle joint and to determine the effects of Kinesio Taping to reduce the Plantar Flexors spasticity after 48 hours of application among Spastic Cerebral Palsy Children.

Study Design: Pre and Post Experimental Study

Methodology: 20 children (Boys and Girls) with spastic cerebral palsy, aged between 1 to 6 years with spasticity grade 1, 1+, and 2 for plantar flexors muscle were selected from different clinics and colleges in Surat for the study. All parents were assigned to fill up an informed consent form. MAS was used to check the spasticity to see whether they can be included in this study or not and Goniometer was used to measure the ROM for Plantar Flexors and Dorsi Flexors. Kinesio Tape was applied and the parents were asked to keep it for 48 hours. No treatment or other orthotic devices were allowed. After 48 hours, tape was removed and ROM for Plantar Flexion and Dorsi Flexion were taken again.

Results: Paired t- test was used for statistical analysis. Results were considered to be significant at p<0.05 and confidence interval was set at 95 %. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. The t-value for Pair-1 was - 11.388, Pair-2 was -13.545, Pair-3 was 21.081 and Pair-4 was 15.755 with associated significance value p=0.000 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There was improvement in ROM of PF and DF of ankle joint and decrease in the spasticity of the plantar flexors after 48 hours of application of KT among spastic CP children.