THE IMPACT OF KINESIOTAPING ON MOTOR FUNCTION AND SPASTICITY IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: 

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurological disorder in children characterized by motor impairments and spasticity. Kinesiotaping has emerged as a non-invasive intervention aimed at improving motor function and reducing spasticity. However, evidence regarding its efficacy remains inconclusive. 

Objective: 

To systematically evaluate and meta-analyze the effects of kinesiotaping on motor function and spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. 

Methods: 

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published up to 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental trials that evaluated the effects of kinesiotaping on motor function and spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Primary outcomes were changes in motor function, assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and related scales, and spasticity, measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated for continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. 

Results: 

A total of six studies, including five randomized controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study, with a combined sample of 354 children with cerebral palsy, were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that kinesiotaping significantly improved motor function, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.45 to 0.99; p < 0.001), indicating a moderate effect size. Subgroup analyses demonstrated greater improvements in gross motor function compared to fine motor skills, with significant effects particularly in activities related to sitting, standing, and walking. Kinesiotaping also led to a significant reduction in spasticity, as measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale, with an SMD of -0.56 (95% CI: -0.80 to -0.32; p < 0.001), reflecting a moderate decrease in muscle tone. Heterogeneity was moderate for motor function outcomes (I² = 52%) and low for spasticity outcomes (I² = 24%). Minimal adverse events, such as mild skin irritation, were reported in three studies. The findings suggest that kinesiotaping can be a beneficial adjunct in improving motor function and reducing spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. 

Conclusions: 

Kinesiotaping appears to have a moderate effect in improving motor function and a small to moderate effect in reducing spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. While results are promising, further high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols are needed to confirm these findings.