Effect of Ankle Distortion Taping on Balance, Gait, Function, Spasticity and Quality of Life in Cerebral Palsy Cases with Varus Deformity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ankle distortion taping on balance, gait, function, spasticity and quality of life in cerebral palsy cases with varus deformity. Methods: A two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out in rehabilitation center. A total of 32 children with CP were randomized into taping (TG) and conventional therapy group (CG). The children in the TG group were given distortion taping for 3 days in addition to CG. Participants were assessed before the treatment, in the immediate period after the first session, and in the acute period after the third session. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Single Leg Stance Test (SLST), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), and Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) were used to evaluate clinical data. Results: The mean ages of the children in CG and TG were 9.62±2.50 and 10.0±1.63, respectively. Plantar flexor muscle spasticity decreased significantly in individuals with TG (p=0.0001). TUG and SLST scores improved significantly in the TG group (p=0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference in both in and between-group evaluations of WGS (p0.05). Conclusion: The results showed the effectiveness of distortion taping in reducing the spasticity of ankle plantar flexor muscles and improving function, balance and gait. However, taping was not superior to conventional rehabilitation.