The effect of Kinesio Tape on the sitting posture of learners with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Postural abnormalities in children with cerebral palsy are frequently observed and are detrimental to their daily functioning. Determining the effect of Kinesio Tape on the sitting posture of children with cerebral palsy may provide clinicians with alternative management strategies for the treatment of postural abnormalities. Eighteen participants underwent photographic sitting posture analysis during this one-group pretest-posttest study. Reflective markers were placed on predetermined anatomical landmarks and the angles between the markers were calculated to determine the effect on sitting posture. Kinesio Tape was applied, based on the observed postural deformities, in order to correct either scoliotic or kyphotic postures. Post-test photographs were taken to determine the immediate effects of Kinesio Tape on sitting postures. Data were analysed using ImageTool Version 3.0 and SPSS version 22. Immediate, significant improvement was observed in the majority of angles (70.8%). Sagittal angle improvements were observed for the head (right p=0.007; left p=0.006), thorax (right p<0.001; left p<0.001) and pelvis (right p=0.003; left p=0.002). Frontal angle measurements showed improvement for the head (right p=0.032; left p<0.001) and thorax (right p=0.002; left p=0.011). Posterior angle measurements showed improvement for the head (right p=0.002; left p<0.001), thorax (right and left p<0.001) and pelvis (right and left p<0.001). The results of the study suggest that Kinesio Tape could be implemented in the treatment regime for the correction of sitting posture among children living with cerebral palsy.

Keywords: cerebral palsy, Kinesio Tape, sitting, posture.