Kinesio Taping Along with PNF Stretching Improved Ankle Dorsiflexion in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Brain damage that can occur before, during, or after delivery combined with permanent movement and postural deficit results in cerebral palsy (CP). CP affects physical characteristics like limbs, physiological and mental processes, as well as actions like standing and walking (e.g., sports). These shortcomings ultimately result in a number of disabilities, including deficits, restricted movement, and participation. Kinesio taping (KT) is a relatively new therapeutic technique used in the rehabilitation facility for children with cerebral palsy, however, it has been used for a long time in the sports or orthopedic domains and has been approved as adjuvant therapy for another functional handicap. Comparing CP treatment with PNF strength, PNF stretch, and PNF stretch alone will help spastic diplegic patients receive better care. The participants from the OPD and pediatric physiotherapy department of Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical andHealth Sciences & Shri Mahant Indresh Hospital, Patel Nagar, Dehradun, were randomly split
into two groups, with one receiving PNF stretching and the other receiving Kinesio-taping (n = 15 in each group). The interventions were given to both groups three days a week for a total of 12 weeks. Kinesio-taping along with PNF and PNF stretching alone both showed improvement in ankle dorsiflexion in spastic diplegic children but Kinesio-taping along with PNF showed more improvement in ankle dorsiflexion function in reducing calf muscle tightness and also improve walking pattern of the child after 12 weeks of intervention.