Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and Kinesio Taping applications in children with cerebral palsy on postural control and sitting balance

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Elbasan, Bulent^a | Akaya, Kamile Uzun^{b; *} | Akyuz, Mufit^b | Oskay, Deran^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey | [b] Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Kamile Uzun Akkaya, Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Silahtar Cad. No: 108 Gazi Mah.-Ankara 06000, Turkey. Tel.: +90 536 449 1979; Fax: +90 312 311 8054; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and Kinesio Taping (KT) applications are separately used to improve postural control and sitting balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study is to examine the combined effect of NDT, NMES and KT applications on postural control and sitting balance in children with CP. METHODS:Forty five children, in 3 groups, between the ages 5–12 years were included in the study. Group 1 received NDT; group 2 received NDT + NMES; and the group 3 received NDT + NMES + KT for 6 weeks. Sitting function evaluated by the sitting section of the gross motor function measure (GMFM), and postural control assessed with the seated postural control measurement (SPCM). RESULTS:Seating section of GMFM was improved significantly in all the groups; however, increases in the group 3 were higher than groups 1 and 2 (p= 0.001). While significant differences were observed in all groups in the SPCM posture (p< 0.001), function (p< 0.001), and the total scores (p< 0.001); the change in the third group was higher according to the comparison of the three groups within each other. CONCLUSIONS:Implementation of the NMES, and KT additionally to NDT improve the sitting posture, postural control, seating function, and gross motor function in children with CP.

Keywords: Motor control, physiotherapy, kinesio taping, electrical stimulation, cerebral palsy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-169656

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 49-55, 2018