The Acute Effects of Kinesio Taping on Drooling in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: This study purpose of determining the short-term effects of kinesio taping on drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: CP were randomly divided into 3 groups as the kinesio tape (n = 16), sham tape (n = 16), and control (n = 16) groups. The drooling severity and frequency were assessed with the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale, and the amount of saliva was measured by the 5-minute drooling quotient. All outcome measurements were repeated for all children at the baseline, after 45 minutes, and after 2 days of application. Results: There was a significant decrease found in drooling severity, frequency, and amount in the kinesio taping group (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the sham taping and control groups (p > .05). Conclusion: The use of kinesio tape in drooling reduced drooling severity, frequency, and amount.