The effect of taping on saliva control and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of taping on saliva control and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. A total of 41 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy were included in the study. Sociodemographic information was recorded. Children were divided into 3 groups by randomization: kinesio taping group (n = 16), placebo kinesio taping group (n = 9) and control group (n = 16). The application to the kinesio banding group included the orbicularis oris muscle and the suprahyoid region. Application was made with mechanical correction technique. The application to the placebo group was in the form of I tape application to the temporamandibular region. It was glued stress-free without any technique. Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale and 5 minute Drooling Qoutient were used to evaluate saliva, Family Impact Scale was used for quality of life evaluation. All evaluations were made before, 45 minutes and 2 days after application. A significant improvement was detected in the kinesio taping group for saliva severity, frequency, amount and quality of life (p <0,05). There was no significant change found in placebo kinesio taping and control groups (p> 0,05). According to the data obtained, we could say that kinesio taping has a positive effect on children with cerebral palsy with drooling. As a result, we believe that the addition of kinesio taping to the treatment program in children with drooling with cerebral palsy will provide great benefit in each element of the child, family, physiotherapist interaction. Keywords: Taping, cerebral palsy, quality of life This thesis study was carried out with the approval of Başkent University Medical and Health Sciences Research Board (KA19/316) and Ministry of Health.