Effects of Kinesio taping in rectus femoris activity and sit-to-stand movement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: placebo-controlled, repeated-measure design

Background: Although it has been commonly used in rehabilitation sets, there is a lack of studies verifying the effects of Kinesio taping to improve functionality in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This information would promote evidence-based practice. Purpose: To verify the effects of Kinesio taping in the performance of sit-to-stand movement in children with unilateral CP. Methods and materials: A blinded, single placebo-controlled and repeated-measure design. The setting was the rehabilitation clinic of the university and care facilities. A total of 11 children from 6 to 12 years of age (mean: 10.5 years; standard deviation: 2.8 years) and classified as levels I and II by the Gross Motor Function Classification System were included. Kinesio taping was applied over the rectus femoris of the affected limb. Three taping conditions were used: Kinesio taping, without Kinesio taping and placebo. Three seat heights were used: neutral (100%), lowered (80%), and elevated (120%). Muscle activity (electromyography) and trunk and lower limb alignment (kinematics) were evaluated as body structures and function measures. The time required to perform sit-to-stand was used as a functionality measure. Mixed analysis of variation (ANOVA) measured angular variables of the hip, knee, ankle, and rectus femoris activity. Repeated ANOVA measured angular variables of trunk and pelvis and total duration. Significance was accepted for values of p <= 0.05. Results: Kinesio taping increased rectus femoris activity, decreased peak flexion of the trunk, knee, hip, and ankle, and increased trunk extension in the end of sit-to-stand when compared with without Kinesio taping and placebo. Total duration was decreased with lower effect sizes. Conclusions: Immediate application of Kinesio taping modified body structures and function measures during sit-to-stand in children with unilateral CP, but it did not alter functionality.