Therapeutic Taping for Scapular Stabilization in Children With Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Efficacy of Kinesiotape to Improve Upper-Extremity Function in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the primary causes of physical disabilities in children that affects posture and movement. Upper-extremity (UE) function is frequently impaired, which may result in activity and participation limitations in people with CP. The use of kinesiotape (KT) has increased in the treatment of CP for various purposes. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of KT for improving UE function in children and adolescents with CP.

METHODS

The literature search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. The methodological quality was analyzed with the PEDro scale. Review Manager (RevMan 5.4.1) was used for data extraction and risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

A total of five randomized clinical trials were included. The use of KT showed improvement in UE functionality in three studies, with significant outcomes for range of motion (ROM) (three studies), fine motor skills (two studies), grip strength (one study) and manual dexterity (one study). Moreover, it also showed significant improvements in spasticity and gross motor function (one study). Overall, methodological quality was moderate, and the risk of bias was high in the domains related to blinding.

CONCLUSION

The use of KT showed improvement in UE function in children and adolescents with CP. However, further research is needed to reinforce the conclusions on the efficacy of KT as a therapeutic tool.

Three-Dimensional Upper Limb Movement Analysis in Children and Adolescents With Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

To synthesize the current evidence on clinical use of three-dimensional upper limb movement analysis (3D-ULMA) in children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies up to April 2022. An automatic e-mail alert was installed to ensure no eligible article was missed. Articles evaluating 3D-ULMA in children and adolescents with BPBI were included. Covidence web-based platform was used for blind screening of eligible articles. Twenty-one observational studies with a final sample size of 609, encompassing 493 BPBI cases, met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a custom form to support standardized extraction conforming to the Cochrane Checklist of items. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist, and a specifically established quality assessment form for kinematic analysis studies.

RESULTS

Study setups differed, including six different types of kinematic devices. Twelve studies used the (modified) Mallet positions for their 3D-ULMA. Throughout the studies, 3D-ULMA was used for various purposes. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scored 16 articles with five stars or more, indicating fair to moderate quality.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review summarizes the different 3D-ULMA kinematic devices, test protocols, and their clinical use for BPBI. The use of 3D-ULMA provides valuable, objective, and quantified data to clinicians with regard to movement strategies; it complements existing clinical scales and can be implemented to evaluate effectiveness of therapy interventions. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

Correlation between scapular alignment and upper extremity function in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between scapular alignment and upper extremity function.

METHODS

Eighty-five children (63 boys and 22 girls) with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy aged 3 to 6 years were included in the study. Scapular upward rotation was assessed using Postural Zone software, and upper extremity function was assessed using the Pediatric Arm Function Test.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference (p = .0001) in the degree of upward scapular rotation between less affected and affected sides (-41.78 ± 4.87 and -26.42 ± 6.34, respectively). There was a significant difference (p = .0001) between the function of the upper extremity of the affected side and the less affected sides (48.15 ± 14.37, 62.1 ± 6.62, respectively). Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) was calculated, and there was a strong negative significant correlation between the degree of scapular upward rotation of the affected side, a unilateral score of the affected side, and the total score of the Pediatric Arm Function Test (r = -0.976, p = .0001 and r = -0.973, p = .0001, respectively). The correlation between symmetry index and total score of the Pediatric Arm Function Test was a strong positive significant correlation (r = 0.946, p = .0001).

CONCLUSION

The degree of upward scapular rotation was less on the affected side. Scapular alignment and symmetry may contribute to upper extremity function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Clinically, correction of scapular deviations may be considered in the rehabilitation program for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. This study suggests further experimental studies to find the cause and effect.

Promoting Recovery Following Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy

Neonatal brachial plexus palsies (NBPP) occur in 1.74 per 1000 live births with 20% to 30% having persistent deficits. Dysfunction can range from mild to severe and is correlated with the number of nerves involved and the degree of injury. In addition, there are several comorbidities and musculoskeletal sequelae that directly impact the overall functional development. This review addresses the nonsurgical and surgical management options and provides guidance for pediatricians on monitoring and when to refer for specialty care.

Efficacy of Kinesio® tapes in obstetrical brachial plexus injury: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio® tape application associated to exercise in patients with obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety patients with Erb-Duchenne palsy secondary to OBPI participated in a 3-month study, in 2 groups; study group (n = 50) and control group (n = 40). Both followed the same physical therapy program, while the study group also received Kinesio® taping over the scapula and forearm. The patients were evaluated, pre- and post-treatment, using the Modified Mallet Classification (MMC), Active Movement Scale (AMS), and active range of motion (ROM) of the plegic side.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in age, gender, birth weight or plegic side (p > 0.05), or in pre-treatment MMC and AMS scores (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in favor of the study group for Mallet 2 (external rotation) (p = 0.012), Mallet 3 (hand on the back of the neck) (p < 0.001), Mallet 4 (hand on the back) (p = 0.001) and total Mallet score (p = 0.025), and for AMS shoulder flexion (p = 0.004) and elbow flexion (p < 0.001). ROM results before and after treatment (within groups) showed significant improvement in both groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Since this a was a preliminary study, the results should be interpreted with caution in terms of clinical efficacy. The results suggest that associating Kinesio® taping to conventional treatment helps functional development in patients with OBPI.'

Scapulothoracic and Glenohumeral Contributions to Humerothoracic Kinematics in Single Versus Double Tendon Transfers in Patients With Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

PURPOSE

Evidence suggests that patients with brachial plexus birth injury are more likely to retain midline function following a teres major tendon transfer without a concomitant latissimus dorsi transfer. Both procedures increase shoulder external rotation and abduction, but whether increased loss of midline frequency following double transfer is due to glenohumeral (GH) joint motion or scapulothoracic (ST) compensation is unknown. We hypothesized that double tendon transfers would exhibit greater GH external rotation than single tendon transfers, thus requiring greater ST rotation to internally rotate the shoulder, while GH and ST contributions to elevation remained equivalent between both groups.

METHODS

Twenty-six postsurgical children with C5/C6 brachial plexus birth injuries participated in this study. Thirteen patients with single tendon transfers were matched with 13 with double tendon transfer. Coordinate systems of the thorax, scapula, and humerus were measured utilizing motion capture in 6 arm positions. Joint angles were calculated by the helical (ST) and modified globe method (GH and humerothoracic [HT]). Differences between groups were compared with repeated measures of multivariate analyses of variance for each position. Pending significant multivariate analyses of variance, univariate analyses of variance determined joint differences between transfer groups.

RESULTS

Joint rotations from neutral were similar between groups in 5 of 6 tested positions, with double tendon transfers consistently demonstrating 15°-20˚ more internal rotation at the GH and HT joints. Still, only the internal rotation position showed statistically significant differences in GH and HT joint angles. The ST joint angles were similar in this position (45.2˚ and 48.5˚).

CONCLUSIONS

The arc of motion for patients with double tendon transfer was more internally rotated than in patients with single tendon transfer at the GH and HT joints for all positions. However, both groups demonstrated little active rotation from neutral. Based on this data, teres major-only tendon transfers may not reduce the risk of loss of midline function.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic III.

Effect of Glenohumeral Reduction Type Combined With Tendon Transfer for Brachial Plexus Injury on Objective, Functional, and Patient-Reported Outcomes

PURPOSE

Glenohumeral (GH) joint reductions are frequently performed during tendon transfer surgery for brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI); however, the effect of reduction method (none required, closed, surgical) has not been assessed. This study compared objective, functional, and patient-reported outcomes between children who underwent a tendon transfer and (1) did not require GH reduction, (2) required concomitant closed GH reduction, or (3) required concomitant surgical GH reduction.

METHODS

Fifty-four children with BPBI who previously underwent teres major and/or latissimus dorsi transfer with or without concomitant GH reduction participated. Joint reduction method was classified as none required (n = 21), closed (n = 9), or surgical (n = 24). Motion capture was collected in a neutral position, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. Glenohumeral joint angles and displacements were calculated. Joint angular displacements represented the differences between the joint angles in each terminal position and the joint angles of the arm at rest in the neutral position. A hand surgeon determined modified Mallet scores. Participants' parents completed the Brachial Plexus Profile Activity Short Form (BP-PRO-SF) to assess physical activity performance.

RESULTS

The no-reduction group had significantly less GH elevation than the surgical-reduction group for all positions and significantly less GH elevation than the closed-reduction group for the neutral, external rotation, and internal rotation positions. There were no differences in GH rotation angles. Glenohumeral joint displacements from neutral and modified Mallet scores were similar. The no-reduction group demonstrated significantly greater BP-PRO-SF scores than the surgical-reduction group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent a closed or surgical GH joint reduction consistently displayed more GH elevation. Clinically, this corresponds to an abduction contracture. Whereas increased abduction contracture provided a benefit of greater overhead motion, modified Mallet scores were similar between groups. The surgical-reduction group demonstrated lower BP-PRO-SF outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Efficacy of 3 therapeutic taping configurations for children with brachial plexus birth palsy

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional clinical measurement study.

INTRODUCTION

Scapular winging is a frequent complaint among children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). Therapeutic taping for scapular stabilization has been reported to decrease scapular winging.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine which therapeutic taping construct was most effective for children with BPBP.

METHODS

Twenty-eight children with BPBP participated in motion capture assessment with 4 taping conditions: (1) no tape, (2) facilitation of rhomboid major and rhomboid minor, (3) facilitation of middle and lower trapezius, and (4) facilitation of rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, and middle and lower trapezius (combination of both 2 and 3, referred to as combined taping). The participants held their arms in 4 positions: (1) neutral with arms by their sides, (2) hand to mouth, (3) hand to belly, and (4) maximum crossbody adduction (CBA). The scapulothoracic, glenohumeral and humerothoracic (HT) joint angles and joint angular displacements were compared using multivariate analyses of variance with Bonferroni corrections.

RESULTS

Scapular winging was significantly decreased in both the trapezius and combined taping conditions in all positions compared with no tape. Rhomboids taping had no effect. Combined taping reduced HT CBA in the CBA position.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhomboid taping cannot be recommended for treatment of children with BPBP. Both trapezius and combined taping approaches reduced scapular winging, but HT CBA was limited with combined taping. Therefore, therapeutic taping of middle and lower trapezius was the most effective configuration for scapular stabilization in children with BPBP. Resting posture improved, but performance of the positions was not significantly improved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio taping for children with brachial plexus injury

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping on upper limb motor function in children with brachial plexus injury.

DATA SOURCES

Articles were identified through searches of the following databases: OVID, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library.

METHODS

Studies were excluded if they were nonpeer-reviewed publications, opinion articles, or not reported in English. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies.

RESULTS

Five studies met our inclusion criteria. Two studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant change was limited only to scapulothoracic internal rotation in three positions.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding Kinesio taping to the physical therapy programme to manage children with brachial plexus injury is still questionable and may help functional improvement. However, this improvement may be limited depending on the technique or mode of application.

Scapular Stabilization Limits Glenohumeral Stretching in Children With Brachial Plexus Injuries

PURPOSE

To quantify the effects of scapular stabilization on scapulothoracic and glenohumeral (GH) stretching.

METHODS

Motion capture data during external rotation and abduction with and without scapular stabilization were collected and analyzed for 26 children with brachial plexus birth palsy. These positions were performed by an experienced occupational therapist and by the child's caretaker. Scapulothoracic and GH joint angular displacements were compared between stretches with no stabilization, stabilization performed by the therapist, and stabilization performed by the caretaker. The relationship between the age and ability of the therapist and caretaker to perform the stretches with scapular stabilization was also assessed.

RESULTS

During external rotation there were no significant differences in either the scapulothoracic or GH joint during stabilization by either the therapist or the caretaker. During abduction, both scapulothoracic and GH joint angular displacements were statistically different. Scapulothoracic upward rotation angular displacement significantly decreased with scapular stabilization by the therapist and caretaker. Glenohumeral elevation angular displacement significantly decreased with scapular stabilization performed by the therapist and caretaker. There were only weak correlations between age and the differences in scapulothoracic and GH joint angular displacement performed by both the therapist and the caretaker.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that scapular stabilization may be detrimental to passive stretching of the GH joint in children, as demonstrated by a reduced stretch. Based on the findings of this study, we have changed our practice to recommend passive stretches without scapular stabilization for children aged 5 years and older with brachial plexus birth palsy. In infants and children aged less than 5 years, we now recommend stretching with and without scapular stabilization until the effect of scapular stabilization is objectively assessed in these age groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/TYPE OF STUDY

Therapeutic IV.

Effects of elastic therapeutic taping on motor function in children with motor impairments: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The elastic therapeutic taping has been considered a promising resource for disabled children.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the evidence of the effects of elastic therapeutic taping on motor function in children with motor impairments.

METHOD

Three independent evaluators conducted searches in electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, BIREME/BVS, Science Direct, SciELO, and PEDro). Clinical studies design, published until 2016, involving elastic therapeutic taping and children aged 0-12 years with motor impairments were included. The variables considered were the methodological aspects (study design, participants, outcome measurements, and experimental conditions); results presented in the studies, and also the methodological quality of studies.

RESULTS

Final selection was composed by 12 manuscripts (five randomized controlled trials), published in the last 10 years. Among them, cerebral palsy (CP) was the most recurrent disorder (n = 7), followed by congenital muscular torticollis (n = 2) and brachial plexus palsy (n = 2). Positive results were associated with taping application: improvement in the upper limb function, gross motor skills, postural control, muscular balance, and performance in the dynamics functional and daily activities.

LIMITATIONS

Lower quality of the studies, clinical and population heterogeneity existed across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The elastic therapeutic taping has been shown to be a promising adjunct resource to the conventional rehabilitation in children with motor impairments. However, high methodological studies about its efficacy in this population are already scarce. Implications for Rehabilitation Elastic therapeutic taping has been shown to be a promising adjunct resource to the conventional rehabilitation in disabled children. Clinical trials have indicated improvement in the postural control and functional activities with both, upper and lower limbs, and increase in the functional independency resulting from the taping use. Randomized control trials and well-established protocols are needed to increase the confidence in applying elastic therapeutic taping to specific clinical conditions.