Effect of kinesio taping on static postural balance in subjects with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background. Taping has been commonly used to improve the efficiency of lower extremities. However, little objective evidence has been documented about eff ectiveness of taping on postural stability. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of kinesio taping on postural stability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Material and methods. Sixteen patients with MS participated in the study. The first group investigated, expenimental (n=8) was taped with functional correctional technique on the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. The second group (n=8) was taped on the quadriceps femoris muscle with the placebo technique. Postural stability was measured using Zebris WinFDM-T version 2x1 platform. Results. The center of mass displacement (CoM) of fi rst group subjects with open eyes without and with tape significantly decreased (p = 0.028). In second group did not difer statistically (p = 0.889). There was a significant difference (p = 0.002) between (CoM) the first and the second group. The results of (CoM) in bouth groups standing with closed eyes were statisticaly significant (p = 0.038). (CoM) speed in the first group subjects standing with open eyes and with closed eyes without and with tape significantly decreased from 4.02 ± 0.7 mm/s to 2.65 ± 0.9 mm/s (p = 0.028) and from 9.98 ± 0.9 mm/s to 5.79 ± 1.1 mm/s (p = 0.045) respectively. In the second group subjects standing with open eyes and without and with tape (CoM) speed did not differ significantly (p = 0.735). Standing with closed eyes (CoM) speed increased significantly (p = 0.866). In both groups subjects standing with open eyes we found significant differences (p = 0.002). (CoM) speed standing with closed eyes in both groups results showed significant difference (p = 0.41). Conclusions. It has been found that kinesio tape, taped with functional correctional technique significantly improved the postural stability [...].