Randomized Observer-Blind Study on the Effects of Neuromuscolar Taping in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Abnormal posture occurs in about 30% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The neuromuscular taping (NMT) is a new treatment that induces micromovements that stimulate skin receptors. Application of NMT with a decompression and eccentric technique expands the interstitial spaces and therefore improves circulation and absorption of liquids by reducing the pressure under the skin favoring the muscular relaxation.

We conducted a 4-week, randomized, observer-blind, trial of NMT on pharmacologically treated PD patients with postural abnormality according to the item 3.13 of Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS).

The primary endpoint of the study was the change in kinetic evaluation using movement analysis technique. Main secondary endpoint was change in scale UPDRS part III score from baseline to week 4, comparing NMT+Pharmacological therapy (NMT+PT) or only Pharmacological therapy (PT). 46 PD patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups remained on stable pharmacological treatment throughout the entire duration of the study. The NMT-PT group received 8 sessions of specific decompression with neuromuscular taping.

At the end of the study, the kinematic data showed statistically significant change in α1 (the parameter related to the sagittal trunk inclination), close to 12% of improvement in the NMT-PT group.

Results showed a significant improvement in some kinematic parameters along with an improvement in motor and nonmotor symptoms in NMT + PT group compared to PT. NMT can represent a valid therapeutic option in combination with neurorehabilitation to treat abnormal posture in PD patients.