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Therapeutic Taping for Scapular Stabilization in Children With Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy
Stephanie A Russo1, Luisa M Rodriguez2, Scott H Kozin3
1Stephanie A. Russo, MD, PhD, is Resident Physician, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Hamot, Erie, PA; sarusso@udel.edu.
Insights
Therapeutic taping for scapular stabilization significantly reduced scapular winging in children with brachial plexus birth palsy. While glenohumeral joint angles improved, long-term effects require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) often leads to scapular winging, affecting upper limb function.
- Scapular stabilization is crucial for optimizing shoulder joint mechanics in affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of therapeutic taping on scapulothoracic, glenohumeral, and humerothoracic joint function.
- To assess the efficacy of taping for scapular stabilization in children with BPBP and scapular winging.
Main Methods:
- Motion capture analysis was performed on 26 children with BPBP.
- Data were collected with and without therapeutic taping targeting the trapezius muscles.
- Statistical comparison using one-way multivariate analyses of variance.
Main Results:
- Therapeutic taping significantly decreased scapular winging across most tested positions.
- Increased glenohumeral joint angles (cross-body adduction, internal rotation) were observed in several positions.
- Minimal changes were noted in humerothoracic joint function, with a 3° increase in external rotation.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic taping offers a statistically significant benefit in reducing scapular winging.
- The observed improvements in glenohumeral joint angles may support joint development.
- Long-term functional outcomes and the full impact of taping require further research.
Objective:
In this study, we aimed to assess whether therapeutic taping for scapular stabilization affected scapulothoracic, glenohumeral, and humerothoracic joint function in children with brachial plexus birth palsy and scapular winging.
Method:
Motion capture data were collected with and without therapeutic taping to assist the middle and lower trapezius in seven positions for 26 children. Data were compared with one-way multivariate analyses of variance.
Results:
With therapeutic taping, scapular winging decreased considerably in all positions except abduction. Additionally, there were increased glenohumeral cross-body adduction and internal rotation angles in four positions. The only change in humerothoracic function was an increase of 3° of external rotation in the external rotation position.
Conclusion:
Therapeutic taping for scapular stabilization resulted in a small but statistically significant decrease in scapular winging. Overall performance of positions was largely unchanged. The increased glenohumeral joint angles with therapeutic taping may be beneficial for joint development; however, the long-term impact remains unknown.
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