Effect of kinesio taping combined with myofascial release on hamstring spasticity in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy: a pilot randomized controlled trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17267/2238-2704rpf.2026.e6598Keywords:
Cerebral Palsy, Spastic, Physical Therapy Modalities, Athletic Tape, Myofascial Release Therapy, Randomized Controlled TrialAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Hamstring spasticity in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) contributes to knee flexion deformity and functional limitations. Evidence regarding the combined effect of kinesio taping (KT) and Myofascial Release (LMF) remains limited. AIM: To investigate the adjuvant effect of KT combined with LMF on hamstring spasticity. METHODS: A two-group pre–post pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted. Twenty-six participants were randomized; twenty completed the study (10 per group). Both groups received 60‑minute therapy sessions, three times per week for two weeks. The experimental group received 10 minutes of myofascial release followed by kinesio taping and conventional therapy, while the control group received conventional therapy alone. Outcomes (MAS and knee ADM) were assessed pre-and post-intervention. Data were analysed using appropriate parametric/non‑parametric tests after a normality check (Shapiro–Wilk test), with the significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in MAS and ADM (p < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined intervention demonstrated short-term within-group improvements but did not show superiority over conventional physiotherapy. Larger trials are required.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
