Locks R.R.1, Maltauro L.1, Dias M.W.d.S.1, Silva F.D.2, Yamaguchi B.3, Mélo T.R.2,3
1Municipal Center of Specialized Care (CEMAE), Physical Therapy, Campo Largo, Brazil, 2Campos Andrade University (Uniandrade), Curitiba, Brazil, 3Federal University of Parana (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) usually have postural problems, because their normal postural control mechanisms are affected. Kinesio Taping (KT) has been commonly used for paediatric rehabilitation, but there are few evidences of its effectiveness in this area.
Purpose: To investigate the immediate effect of KT on sitting posture in children with CP.
Methods: Nine children (mean age 5.7 ± 2.3 years) with CP classified at level V on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were included. Sitting posture was evaluated by photometry before and immediately after KT application. Photographs were taken from anterior view of sitting posture on an adapted chair after placement of markers on specific anatomical points (acromia, last ribs and anterior superior iliac spines). The tape was applied bilaterally and longitudinally to the spine between S1 and C7 vertebrae to the paraspinal musculature. The aim of the application was to enhance the postural alignment by facilitating trunk stability. Postural assessment software (PAS/SAPO) was used to analyze the postural alignment in sitting position. The paired t-test was used to compare the horizontal alignment of the last ribs that were normally distributed. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for comparing the horizontal alignment of acromia and anterior superior iliac spines. The level of significance was accepted as p 0.05.
Results: There were not significant differences in horizontal postural alignment of the anatomical points evaluated.
Conclusion(s): KT application to the paraspinal musculature did not immediately improve the alignment on sitting posture in children with CP GMFCS level V.
Implications: Studies with larger samples are necessary to investigate the immediate effect of KT on sitting posture in children with CP GMFCS level V. The evaluation of the long-term KT effects is required too. Moreover, other KT applications and other measurements should be used.
Funding acknowledgements: No funding was received for this study.
Topic: Paediatrics
Ethics approval: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Campos Andrade University (Uniandrade) CAAE 57383316.0.0000.5218, approval number 1.677.447.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
