Training postural control and sitting in children with cerebral palsy: Kinesio taping vs. neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) in addition to neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) on posture and sitting, and to compare the effects of KT and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).

Materials-methods: Seventy-five children were randomized into control, KT, and NMES groups. NDT was applied to all children 4 times a week for 4 weeks. In addition, KT and NMES were applied to KT and NMES groups, respectively. Sitting subset of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and kyphosis levels of the groups were analyzed by two way mixed ANOVA.

Results: GMFM and kyphosis values improved significantly in all groups (all p < 0.01), yet change levels were more prominent in the KT and NMES groups than the control group. Moreover, NMES group showed better improvement.

Conclusion: KT or NMES application for four weeks in addition to NDT is effective on improving kyphosis and sitting. Besides, NMES is more effective than KT.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Gross Motor Function Measure; Kinesio taping; Neurodevelopmental therapy; Sitting balance.