Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with and without Kinesio Taping Application on Sitting Balance Among Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background: Children with spastic cerebral palsy often show difficulty to maintain posture and function, therefore displaying the weak sitting postural balance such as the flexed trunk. Objective: The study was designed to determine the effectiveness in terms of alignment and function with neuromuscular electric stimulation, Kinesio tape above the trunk muscles in combination with conventional physiotherapy for improving sitting balance in young children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy that has presented with weak trunk control. Methods: In this randomized trial children aged between 5 to 12 years were involved in this study. Group A received electric stimulation and conventional physical therapy while group B received Kinesio tape, electric stimulation and conventional physiotherapy for 12 weeks, 3 alternate days per week. Data were collected at baseline, 5th and 10th week after the last session of the week.  Sitting balance is evaluated by the seated postural control measurement score. Results: Significant differences were observed in both groups in the total score of seated postural control measurement alignment section (p<0.015) and functional section (p<0.01) after the 10th week; the change in group B was higher as compared to other group. There is no significant difference were seen in pre-treatment and after the 5th week in alignment and functional section in comparison of technique. Conclusion: With the help of neuromuscular electric stimulation, and Kinesio tape in combination with conventional physiotherapy enhance the sitting balance, in terms of alignment and function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.