The immediate effect of kinesiology taping on muscular imbalance for infants with congenital muscular torticollis.

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.