EFFECTIVENESS OF KINESIO TAPING WITH OROMOTOR EXERCISES IN IMPROVING DROOLING AMONG CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) with oromotor exercises (OME) in improving drooling in children with cerebral palsy. Material and Methods: A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted at National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM). Forty eight CP children, age ranged 4-8 years, having good head control and fair comprehension for verbal commands with drooling severity ≥ 3 rated on Thomas Stonells drooling scale were included in the study. The n=48 CP children were equally divided into two groups. Group A (n=24) participants were given an hour time which included taping of orbicularis oris muscle followed by oral motor exercises. Group B (n=24) participants were given the same treatment except there was only application of Kinesio taping of orbicularis oris muscle without oral motor exercises. The participants were assessed 5 times; at week 0 (Baseline) and then during intervention at week 4, week 8, week 12 and finally at week 16 after completion of intervention. Data was collected through Thomas Stonells drooling scale and drooling impact scale. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. For presentation of categorical and demographic variables, mean and standard deviation were used. RM-ANOVA was used to analyze changes within the groups and independent samples t-test was used for differences between the groups. Results: The mean age in group A is 3.93±1.7 years and the mean age in group B is 3.66±1.26 years. The result showed significant improvement within both groups (p≤0.05). Between groups comparison revealed more significant decrease in drooling severity and its impact in group A (KT+OME) as compared to group B (KT) at p≤0.05. in case drooling frequency no significant difference was observed. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that kinesio tapping along with oro-motor exercises were more effective management option for drooling severity and impact on CP children life. Keywords: Cerebral palsy, drooling, kinesio tapping, oro-motor exercises, Thomas Stonells drooling scale, drooling impact scale.