Effect of Kinesiotaping for Hand Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy is the most common chronic disability. Lesions or defects in the immature brain
cause sensori motor impairment, which compromise the development of upper limb function in cerebral palsy.
Restricted movement of the upper limbs may cause limitation in the functions and performance of ADL which
affect their quality of life. Recent studies have proven that kinesiotape plays an important role in the management
of hand functional activity.
Design: Randomized controlled trail was conducted on 28 cerebral palsy children with impaired hand function
were included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly divided into
2 groups, group a. kinesiotaping with functional hand activities and group b. sham taping (Kinesiotape without
tension) along with functional hand activities. Control group received sham tape (kinesiotape without tension).
Outcomes were measured using quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST) and Upper limb physician rating
scale (ULPRS).
Conclusion: The study proved that the short term effect of kinesiotaping application along with functional hand
activities has no significant effect on improving hand function in children with cerebral palsy.