The effect of gluteal taping on gait in ambulant adults with hemiplegia
Date
2009-03
Authors
Labban, Wasim
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Introduction
Decreased hip extension in the paretic leg is a common impairment after stroke. Gluteal
taping was introduced as a technique that helped in increasing hip extension of the paretic
leg, and step length in the unaffected leg. The aim of this study was to further investigate the
effect of gluteal taping on other temporal spatial and kinematic parameters using a 3D
motion analysis system (Moven System).
Methods
The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 entailed examining the intra trial reliability
of the Moven System, where eight subjects were recruited and tested twice at their normal
pace of walking, and twice again at their maximum speed. Phase 2 involved studying the
effect of gluteal taping on temporal spatial and kinematic parameters. Thirty subjects
participated and were tested under three taping conditions (no tape, therapeutic tape, and
placebo tape), while walking at their self selected walking speed. Intra-class correlation
coefficient ICC determined around 95% confidence intervals was used to examine the intra
trial reliability of the Moven System. Repeated measures-ANOVA was used to study the
temporal spatial, and kinematic variables during the three taping conditions.
Results
The Moven showed moderate to excellent reliability in measuring the gait variables including
temporal spatial parameters and sagittal kinematic parameters in addition to the lateral
pelvic tilt. Taping caused significant increase in hip extension and reduction in knee flexion
at terminal stance for the paretic leg. There was a trend toward better hip flexion at terminal
stance, and a mild trend toward more planter flexion at terminal stance. Both treatment and
placebo tapes caused an increase in the step lengths of either leg, and a significant increase
in gait velocity and cadence.
Conclusion
Gluteal taping may be beneficial in producing important clinical effects post stroke, and can
be used as an adjunct strategy during gait rehabilitation. Further research is needed to
understand the mechanism of how taping produces effects, and to further explore its effect
on kinetic and muscle activation variables.
Description
Thesis (MScPhysio (Physiotherapy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Gluteal taping, Stroke -- Patients -- Therapy, Dissertations -- Physiotherapy, Theses -- Physiotherapy