The immediate effect of kinesiology taping on muscular imbalance for infants with congenital muscular torticollis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the immediate effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on muscular imbalance in the lateral flexors of the neck.

Design: A retrospective study.

Participants: Twenty-eight infants with congenital muscular torticollis and muscular imbalance in the lateral flexors of the neck were chosen consecutively.

Methods: Data regarding the Muscle Function Scale (MFS) score before and after the first taping session were obtained from the records.

Results: A significant decrease in the difference between the MFS scores was found after KT was applied (P < .001). Significantly greater scores were noted on the unaffected side after KT (P = .02) and significantly lower scores were noted on the affected side after KT (P = .003). Multiple regression demonstrated that the MFS score on the unaffected side (P < .001) and use of the muscle-relaxing technique (P = .009) were significantly associated with a decrease in the difference between the MFS scores of the 2 sides.

Conclusions: KT has an immediate effect on muscular imbalance in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.