Neuromuscular taping versus sham therapy on muscular strength and motor performance in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in leg muscles strength and motor performance between neuromuscular taping (NT) and sham tape groups. Method: Relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were recruited and randomly assigned to NT or sham tape groups. All patients underwent the treatment 5 times at 5-d intervals. They were submitted to a 6-minute walk test and isokinetic test (peak torque) at the beginning (T0), at the end (T1) and 2 months after the end of the treatment (T2). Results: Forty MS patients (38 F; 2 M; mean age 45.5 ± 6.5 years) were assigned to NT group (n = 20) and to sham tape group (n = 20). Delta Peak Torque T1–T0 and T2–T0 between two groups were statistically significant in quadriceps (p = 0.007; 0.000) and hamstrings (p = 0.011; 0.007). The difference between the two groups according to 6-minute walk test was not statistically significant but in NT group it was noticed an increasing trend about the distance run. Conclusions: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, NT seemed to increase strength in leg muscles, compared to a sham device, in RR MS patients. Further studies are needed to consider this therapy as a complement to classic physical therapy.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Neuromuscular taping (NT) in multiple sclerosis:

• NT is well tolerated by multiple sclerosis patients and should be a complement to classic physical therapy.

• This technique normalizes muscular function, strengthens weakened muscles and assists the postural alignment.

• Motor performance
• multiple sclerosis
• muscle strength
• neuromuscular taping

Declaration of interest

There was no financial assistance for the project. There is no potential conflict of interest existing with respect to the authors of this article. The study gained the approval from the University of Parma Ethics Committee.