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Effects of kinesio taping on static balance performance and muscle activity in children with developmental
1Physical Education and Health Center, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan.
Insights
Kinesio tape applications improved static balance and muscle activity in children with developmental coordination disorder during single-leg stances. Different taping methods showed varied effects on reducing postural sway.
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skills and balance in children.
- Static balance and muscle activity are crucial for functional mobility in children with DCD.
- Kinesio taping is a therapeutic modality used to influence muscle function and proprioception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of various Kinesio tape applications on static balance and muscle activity in children with DCD.
- To compare the impact of gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus taping on postural control.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 48 children diagnosed with DCD.
- Four conditions were tested: no taping, gastrocnemius taping, tibialis anterior taping, and peroneus longus taping.
- Static balance (postural sway) and muscle activity (electromyography) were measured during two-leg and single-leg stances, with eyes closed.
Main Results:
- Kinesio taping significantly reduced postural sway in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions during single-leg stances.
- Gastrocnemius taping was most effective in reducing anteroposterior sway, while tibialis anterior and peroneus longus taping were most effective for mediolateral sway.
- Muscle activity increased significantly in the taped muscles, indicating targeted muscle engagement.
Conclusions:
- Specific Kinesio tape applications can effectively improve static balance and enhance muscle activity in children with DCD during single-leg stances.
- The choice of taping application influences the degree of improvement in postural sway and muscle activation.
Objective:
To compare the effects of various kinesio tape applications on static balance and muscle activity in children with developmental coordination disorder. Methods: Four taping conditions were applied to 48 children with developmental coordination disorder: no taping, gastrocnemius taping, tibialis anterior taping; and peroneus longus taping. Postural sway and electromyographic data were assessed, with eyes closed (30 s), standing still in 2-leg stance, dominant-leg stance, and non-dominant-leg stance.
Results:
Kinesio taping significantly reduced postural sway in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions for dominant-leg stance and non-dominant-leg stance, but not 2-leg stance. During single-leg stances, anteroposterior sway was significantly lower for the gastrocnemius taping condition than for the no taping, tibialis anterior and peroneus longus taping conditions, and significantly lower in the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus taping conditions than in the no taping condition (gastrocnemius < tibialis anterior = peroneus longus < no taping). In addition, mediolateral sway was significantly lower in the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus taping conditions than in the no taping and gastrocnemius taping conditions, and significantly lower in the gastrocnemius taping condition than in the no taping condition (tibialis anterior = peroneus longus < gastrocnemius < no taping). Electromyographic data showed that muscle activity was significantly greater only for muscles where kinesio tape was applied.
Conclusion:
Various kinesio tape applications can differentially reduce postural sway and increase muscle activity during single-leg stances in children with developmental coordination disorder.
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