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

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.