Effect of upper extremity kinesio tape application on hand function, wrist joint position and grip strength in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy

Although kinesio taping (KT) is frequently used in musculoskeletal disorders, there is not enough data on the effectiveness of holistic KT application on the upper extremity in spastic hemiparetic children. Our study aims to evaluate the effect of KT application on spasticity, range of motion, dexterity and hand grip strength in these patients. Twenty patients diagnosed with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy, aged 5-17 years, who were trained and treated in a private educational institution, were included in the study. Between November 2021 and January 2022, in addition to neurodevelopmental therapy for 12 weeks, KT was applied from the lateral epicondyle region to the end of the metacarpals, with 15-25% tension, to the dorsal face of the hand, with the taping direction facilitation technique (starting direction is the origin of the muscle). Spasticity, range of motion, dexterity and hand grip strength were evaluated as pre-test and post-test. It was determined that the mean score difference between the pre-test and post-test range of motion (ROM) shoulder abduction, ROM supination, ROM wrist flexion, ROM wrist extension and hand grip strength of the individuals was statistically significant (P < 0.05). It was determined that the individuals' pre-test-post-test Jebsen hand function test ( JHFT) Writing, JHFT card flipping, JHFT small objects, JHFT nutrition simulation, JHFT backgammon checkers stamps, JHFT large light objects, JHFT total score average difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). These results indicate that KT application positively affects upper extremity functions in the rehabilitation of hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Longitudinal studies are recommended in patients with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.