Is there any evidence for Kinesiotaping neurologically weak ankles?
Date First Published:
January 28, 2014
Last Updated:
January 28, 2014
Report by:
Alexandra Hollingworth and Charlotte Rattenbury, Paediatric Physiotherapists (CMFT Royal Manchester Children's Hospital)
Three-Part Question:
In [weak ankle dorsiflexors] is [kinesiotaping] effective at improving [strength and function]
Clinical Scenario:
A five year old girl presents with mild vincristine neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy of common peroneal nerve) affecting bilateral Tibialis Anterior muscles. She is able to actively dorsiflex but walks with an affected gait. You wonder whether kinesiotaping would be of benefit to facilitate these muscles and retrain gait.
Search Strategy:
AMED 1985-08/13; BNI 1992 -08/13; CINAHL 1981 – 08/13; MEDLINE 1950 – 08/13
Search Details:
{[weak ankle dorsiflexors.af OR weak tibialis anterior.af OR footdrop.af OR dropfoot .af OR common peroneal nerve neuropathy.af OR common peroneal nerve palsy.af OR weak ankle dorsiflexors.af OR ankle dosiflexion weakness.af OR tibialis anterior weakness.af OR ankle flexion weakness.af OR lower limb peripheral neuropathy.af OR crural nerve neuropathy.af OR crural nerve palsy.af] AND [ kinesiotape.ti,ab OR k-tape.ti,ab OR kinesiology tape.ti,ab OR athletic tape.ti,ab OR rock tape.ti,ab OR kinesio tex tape.ti,ab OR elastic tape.ti,ab OR cure tape.ti,ab]}
Outcome:
A total of two papers were found from the first two criteria. One paper was rejected due to being a small pilot study into a central nervous system disorder affecting the lower limbs.
Relevant Paper(s):
| Study Title | Patient Group | Study type (level of evidence) | Outcomes | Key results | Study Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment of a brachial plexus injury using Kinesiotape and exercise. SF Walsh 2010 USA | Single child – 2 year old - Kinesio tape - 2 strips (1 deltoid origin to insertion, 2 medial scapula border to deltoid insertion - 2-3 days tape on, 1-2 days off - 40 weeks of tape, decreasing use gradually - Parent education |
Case Report | 1. Function | 1. functional use of UL – increased use observation through play | Case Report Limited application to clinical scenario |
| 2. Posture | 2.improved posture of scapula – observation and x-ray | ||||
| 3.RoM | 3. ROM – Mallett score | ||||
| 4.Muscle size | 1, 4. Improved muscle bulk - observation |
Author Commentary:
The relevant paper had very limited application to the clinical scenario as it was used on acquired birth trauma to the upper limb. Its results are of limited significance. However good improvements were seen in one child and treatment ideas are applicable to our clinical scenario. Although a single study, the child’s physical recovery had reached a plateau in the year prior to this study and taping was the only new intervention therefore conclusion was surmised that new recovery due to taping.
Further research into effect of kinesiotaping would be required.
Further research into effect of kinesiotaping would be required.
Bottom Line:
Based on the current best literature, there is insubstantial evidence (one case study) for kinesiotaping to improve neurologically weak ankle dorsiflexor function. The case study, however, demonstrated improvement could be possible and would therefore suggest the treatment may be worth trying with patients.
References:
- SF Walsh. Treatment of a brachial plexus injury using Kinesiotape and exercise.