The Immediate and Long- Term Effects of Kinesio Taping on Fine Dexterity in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background and Objective: Wrist flexion and thumb-in-palm deformity is the most common involvement of hand in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) that limit the ability of functional activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long- term effect of kinesio taping on fine dexterity in children with spastic CP. Materials and Methods: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 36 children with spastic CP (4-14 yrs old), who had wrist flexion and thumb-in-palm deformity, were randomly divided into two groups. In both groups, Kinesio tape was applied over dorsal aspect of forearm, wrist and thumb (the control group received kinesio tape without tension as a placebo,). The fine dexterity of two groups was evaluated using Nine Hole Peg Test at five intervals: prior to taping, immediately, 30 minutes and 2 days after taping and 2 days after tape removal. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. Results: The results exhibited significant differences between two groups in terms of fine dexterity mean (P <0.001). However, there was no significant difference for interaction effect concerning time and group (P=0.955). Conclusion: Kinesio taping is effective in improving fine dexterity immediately after taping and this effect remains stable over time.