Objective: To investigate the immediate effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on muscular imbalance in the lateral flexors of the neck.
Design: A retrospective study.
Participants: Twenty-eight infants with congenital muscular torticollis and muscular imbalance in the lateral flexors of the neck were chosen consecutively.
Methods: Data regarding the Muscle Function Scale (MFS) score before and after the first taping session were obtained from the records.
Results: A significant decrease in the difference between the MFS scores was found after KT was applied (P < .001). Significantly greater scores were noted on the unaffected side after KT (P = .02) and significantly lower scores were noted on the affected side after KT (P = .003). Multiple regression demonstrated that the MFS score on the unaffected side (P < .001) and use of the muscle-relaxing technique (P = .009) were significantly associated with a decrease in the difference between the MFS scores of the 2 sides.
Conclusions: KT has an immediate effect on muscular imbalance in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.
Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.