Effectiveness of Kinesio Tape on Wrist Extensor Muscles in Children with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injuries

Background: Obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) is partial or total paralysis of the upper limb due to trauma of brachial plexus during delivery, wrist flexion is a common deformity that develops in children with Erb's Palsy. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of Kinesiotape to stimulate the extensor muscle wrist contraction in children with Erb's palsy.

Methodology: This is a hospital-based controlled study conducted in Al-taher marzouq clinic at Khartoum, Sudan in 2015. 30 children with Erb's palsy, their age ranged from one month to three years were included in the study. They were divided into two matched groups (control and study) 15 children each. They evaluated by Active movement scale and Gilbert-Raimondi classification before and after fifteen successive sessions of the treatment program. Control group received selected physical therapy program and study group received Kinesiotape in addition to the program given to control group.

Results: The results of this study revealed statistically significant improvement in both group while the favor improvement in wrist extensor muscles in children with Erb's palsy in study group (Active movement scale p=0.006) (Gilbert Raimondi classification p=0.02).

Conclusion: Using the Kinesio tape in addition to selected physical therapy program is beneficial therapeutic technique to improve active wrist extension and functional activities in children with Erb's palsy.