Effects of kinesio taping on upper extremity functionality in patients with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common movement disorder associated with lifetime disability and motor dysfunction. Approximately 50% of children with CP have impaired hand function. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on upper extremity functionality in patients with CP. This study included children aged 6-16 years ,diagnosed with CP. The study consists of a group of 14 patients with SP. In the first stage of the study, Frenchay Arm Test and Moberg collection tests were applied to the group of 14 patients with SP. Later, kinesio taping was applied to the same patient group and tests were implemented again. In the control group, the level of change in the Franchey Arm Test measurement values performed before application, at the 45th minute and 1 week after application was not significant (p> 0.05). It was determined that the level of change in the Franchey Arm Test measurement values performed before application, at the 45th minute and 1 week after application in the study group was significant (p <0.001). In the control group, the level of change in the Moberg Pick Test measurement values performed before application, at the 45th minute and 1 week after application was not significant (p> 0.05). It was determined that the level of change in the Moberg Pick Test measurement values performed before application, at the 45th minute and 1 week after application in the study group was significant (p <0.001). In this study, as a result of the application of kinesio taping to the wrist extensor muscles of children with CP, an improvement in fine motor functions, as demonstrated by the Franchey Arm and Moberg tests, was revealed. Due to its effectiveness, relatively inexpensive cost, and easy application, we suppose that the use of kinesio taping in addition to traditional therapy can help target functional therapy strategies to improve and improve upper extremity functionality in children with CP.