Acta Biomed. 2012 Aug;83(2):103-7.

Costantino C , Licari O, Granella F, Sghedoni S.

Abstract

Neuromuscular Taping (NT) is a relatively new device that induces micro-movements by stimulating receptors in the skin. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the application of Neuromuscular Taping (NT) on motor performance and quality of life in a cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Twenty MS patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale < or = 4 (EDSS); clinically stable disease; absence of relapses during the last 3 months; absence of rehabilitation treatment or symptomatic drugs acting on muscular tone or fatigue for at least 2 months; a stable disease modifying treatment for at least 3 months; were treated with the application of NT.

It was applied four times at 4-day intervals on the weakest side of the hamstrings muscles. The treatment efficacy on motor performance was evaluated by the six minute walking test (6MWT), measured at the beginning of treatment (TO), at the end of NT application (T1), and three weeks after the last treatment application (T2). Moreover, Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36) was administered to evaluate the quality of life.

The mean distance covered during the 6MWT improved significantly between TO and the successive T1 and T2 measurements, passing from 342.6 +/- 148.9 mt at TO to 395.8 +/- 146.0 mt at T2 (p=0.03). The SF-36 showed a statistically significant improvement in most items.

The application of NT was able to improve significantly the motor performance

and the quality of life in our small case series of MS patients. (www.actabiomedica.it).

PMID: 23393917

[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23393917#

Dev Neurorehabil. 2014 Dec;17(6):384-7. doi: 10.3109/17518423.2013.830152. Epub 2013 Oct 2.

Camerota F , Galli M, Cimolin V, Celletti C, Ancillao A, Blow D, Albertini G.

Abstract

To assess quantitatively the effects of Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) on the upper limb in a female child with left hemiplegia, due to Cerebral Palsy (CP). The patient underwent NMT on cervical level, shoulder and hand only of the plegic upper limb, followed by physical therapy. Kinematic data of upper limbs during reaching task were collected before (PRE) and after 2 weeks of treatment (POST).

After the intervention, the affected limb improved in terms of movement duration, Average Jerk and Number of Unit Movements indices, indicating a faster, smoother and less segmented movement. Improvements appeared at the ranges of motion of the upper limb joints, both at shoulder and elbow joints. No significant changes were globally displayed for the unaffected arm.

NMT seems to be a promising intervention for improving upper limb movement in patients with CP. Further investigations are certainly needed to assess effectively the effects of the intervention in this pathological state.

Key Words: Cerebral palsy; kinematics; neuromuscular taping; reaching; rehabilitation; upper limb

PMID: 24087981 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2013.830152

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24087981#

Disabil Rehabil. 2016 Aug;38(16):1603-9. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1107631. Epub 2015 Dec 18.

Pillastrini P , Rocchi G , Deserri D , Foschi P , Mardegan M , Naldi MT , Villafañe JH , Bertozzi L .

Abstract

The purpose of this trial was to investigate changes in pain, the range of motion

(ROM) and spasticity in people with painful hemiplegic shoulder (PHS) after the application of an upper limb neuromuscular taping (NMT). We conducted a randomised clinical trial. The study included 32 people, 31% female (mean±SD age: 66±9 years), with PHS after stroke with pain at rest and during functional movements. The experimental group received the application of NMT and a standard physical therapy programme (SPTP), whereas the control group received SPTP. The groups received four 45-minute long sessions over four weeks. The VAS, ROM and spasticity were assessed before and after the intervention with follow-up at four weeks.

The experimental group had a greater reduction in pain compared to the control

group at the end of the intervention, as well as at one month after the intervention (p<0.001; all the group differences were greater than 4.5!cm, which is greater than the minimal clinically important difference of 2.0!cm). The experimental group had a significantly higher (i.e. better) ROM, by 30.0°, than the control group in shoulder flexion (95% CI: 37.3-22.7) at 4 weeks and by 24.8° (95% CI: 32.1-17.6) at 8 weeks as well as in abduction by 30.6° (95% CI: 37.5-23.7) at 4 weeks and 25.1° (95% CI: 33.8-16.3) at 8 weeks.

Our study demonstrates that NMT decreases pain and increases the ROM in subjects with shoulder pain after a stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Painful hemiplegic shoulder is a frequent complication after stroke with negative impacts on functional activities and on quality of life of people, moreover restricts rehabilitation intervention. Neuromuscular taping is a technique introduced by David Blow for the treatment of neuromuscoloskeletal problems.

This study shows the reduction of pain and the improvement of range of motion after the application of an upper limb neuromuscular taping. Rehabilitation professionals who are involved in the management of painful hemiplegic shoulder may like to consider the benefits that neuromuscular taping can produce on upper limb.

PubMed

Effectiveness of neuromuscular taping on painful hemiplegic shoulder: a randomised clinical trial. – PubMed – NCBI 20/01/17 20:15

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26678717 Pagina 2 di 2

KEYWORDS: Pain; shoulder; stroke

PMID: 26678717 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1107631

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26678717#

Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2015 Feb;7(1):3-10. doi: 10.1177/1759720X14564561.

Camerota F , Galli M , Cimolin V , Celletti C , Ancillao A , Blow D , Albertini G .

Abstract

In this case study, biomechanical alterations induced by neuromuscular taping (NMT) were quantified, during walking, in a patient with joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers- Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (JHS/EDS-HT).

A female JHS/EDS-HT patient underwent NMT applications over the low back spine and bilaterally to the knee. Quantitative gait analyses were collected before the NMT application and at the end of the treatment (2 weeks after the first application of NMT).

At the end of treatment following the NMT application, left step length showed improvements in cadence and velocity, the left knee showed a reduction in its flexed position at initial contact, and the right ankle joint improved its position at initial contact and in the swing phase. Improvements were also found in kinetics, in terms of the ankle moment and power.

Results show that NMT seems to be a promising low-cost intervention for improving gait strategy in patients with JHS/EDS-HT. Further investigations are needed to assess the effects of this treatment intervention on pathological symptoms.

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome; gait analysis; neuromuscular taping; rehabilitation

PMID: 25649985 PMCID: PMC4314299 DOI: 10.1177/1759720X14564561

Disabil Rehabil. 2016;38(3):277-81. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1038365. Epub 2015 Apr 20.

Costantino C , Pedrini MF , Licari O .

Abstract

Purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in leg muscles strength and motor performance between neuromuscular taping (NT) and sham tape groups.

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).

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.

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.

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

PMID: 25893397 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25893397#

European Scientific Journal February 2015 /SPECIAL/ edition vol.2 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e – ISSN 1857- 7431

Enkeleda Sinaj, PhD, Fatjona Kamberi, PhD, Vjollca Ndreu, PhD, Ermir Sinaj, MsC, Tatjana Nurka(Cina), Ass/Prof

Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences ,University of Medicine, Tirana Albania

Abstract

Adhesive capsulitis is a common painful condition characterized by severe loss of mobility and shoulder pain. Patients with this disease have a painful restriction of both active and passive mobility and an overall loss of shoulder movement in all planes. This experimental design study investigated the effect of combination of taping neuromuscular and stretching exercises program compared to ultrasounds and stretching exercises program. A total of 40 patients aged between 40 and 60 years were involved in the study. Patients were divided in two groups: first group subjected of neuromuscular taping +stretching exercises program for 4 weeks (experimental group 20 patients) and a second group subjected of a daily program of physical therapy + stretching exercises (control group 20 patients). They were evaluated using visual analogue scales for pain, goniometric measure for passive and active range of motion, SPADI index for shoulder function and patient satisfaction. Analysis showed statistically significant improvement in both the experimental and control groups. In addition, the mean improvement in VAS was significantly greater after first week in the experimental group than in the control group. The study showed that the combination of taping with stretching exercises program leads to better outcomes in rehabilitation of patients with frozen shoulder especially when an immediate effect is needed.

Keywords: Adhesive exercises, taping neuromuscular, ultrasound, laser, stretching exercises.

Clin Ter. 2015;166(4):e257-63. doi: 10.7417/T.2015.1870.

Rigoldi C , Galli M , Celletti C , Blow D , Camerota F , Albertini G .

Abstract

This paper is a first attempt analysis of hand and upper limb proprioception coordination induced by NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT): application in a group of 5 participants with Down syndrome.

The participants underwent a drawing test with motion capture system acquisition before and after NMT application. Specific and descriptive parameters were computed and analysed in order to quantify the differences.

Results showed statistical differences between pre and post treatment sessions: the 5 participants with Down syndrome evidenced more reliance on proprioceptive signals in the post treatment session during the execution of the specific writing tasks. Based on the hypothesis that modifications in proprioception should alter motor pathway mapping of the motor cortex, Neuromuscular taping may play a role in the treatment of dysgraphia and improving hand coordination following CNS impairment, even though a small treatment group was chosen for this pilot study the results lead to further discussions concerning the role of different afferent signals in a pathological context.

Key words: Down syndrome; Dysgraphia; Neuromuscolar taping; Proprioception; Writing skills

PMID: 26378759 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26378759#

Disabil Rehabil. 2016;38(3):277-81. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1038365. Epub 2015 Apr 20.

Costantino C , Pedrini MF , Licari O .

Abstract

Purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in leg muscles strength and motor performance between neuromuscular taping (NT) and sham tape groups.

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).

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.

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.

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

PMID: 25893397 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25893397#

Berlingieri C., Camerota F., Celletti C. et al. /Senses Sci 2016; 3 (4):303-307

doi: 10.14616/sands-2016 – 4-303307

Carmine Berlingieri, Filippo Camerota, Claudia Celletti, Andrea Turolla, Alberto Peraro, David Blow, Patrizio Sale

Abstract

Pain is a common disabling symptom in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It has been indicated that pain prevalence in MS patients is between 29–86 %. It is evident that most MS patients requiring treatment will be also searching pain related treatments to assist in day to day activities. Neuropathic pain is a difficult symptom and is generally inadequately relieved even though different rehabilitative approaches may be used. Neuromuscular Taping inducing micro-movements by stimulating receptors in the skin has been described in literature as a possible intervention in neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation improving mobility and in pain reduction. The aim of this preliminary report was to analyze the effect and to evaluate the possible applications of Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) in patients with MS in order to reduce pain in comparison to the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and to physical rehabilitation treatment alone. We observed that NMT together with standard physical rehabilitation was able to reduce neuropathic pain to greater lengths, with statistically significant differences between pre and post treatment, compared to the other treatments evaluated. This study showed increased efficacy in pain reduction when NMT was applied to standard physical treatment in long standing pain conditions. Neuromuscular Taping may constitute a low cost treatment strategy for neuropathic pain conditions in MS.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis; neuropathic pain; rehabilitation; taping; NMT pain treatment strategy; neuromuscular taping; quality of life.

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