The Effect of Kinesio Taping Over the Gluteal Muscles on Activity and Participation in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Insufficiencies of gluteus medius and maximus muscles in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) may restrict activity and participation by affecting gait, gross motor functions, and balance. Objectives: The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of Kinesio taping (KT) applied to the gluteus medius and maximus muscles on activity and participation in children with CP. Methods: The study was completed with 20 children with unilateral CP who were randomly divided into 2 groups: The KT group received KT and physiotherapy (n = 11), and the control group received only physiotherapy (n = 9). The KT application was administered for 4 weeks. The activity was evaluated with a BTS G-Walk Spatiotemporal Gait Analysis System, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS); in addition, participation was evaluated using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Results: The KT group showed significant improvements in the gait parameter (cadence; P = 0.009), pelvic tilt symmetry (P = 0.017), pelvic rotation symmetry (P = 0.018), gait symmetry (P < 0.001), FMS (P = 0.07), TUG, GMFM, PBS, and COPM scores (P < 0.001) in the medium-term compared to the control group. It was also found that gait (cadence; P = 0.004) and functional mobility (P < 0.001) improved in the immediate term than in the KT group. Conclusions: KT combined with conventional physiotherapy can improve cadence and functional mobility in the immediate term, as well as gait and pelvic symmetry, functional mobility, gross motor function, balance, and participation in the medium term in children with unilateral CP. Further randomized controlled studies addressing large samples and long-term effects are warranted.