Elastic Therapeutic Taping for children with Cerebral Palsy (ETT4CP)

A study of ETT of the thigh in children with Cerebral Palsy and spastic hemiplegia or diplegia
ETT4CP Hero 

Elastic therapeutic taping is popular in the world of athletics and has been used to treat other conditions. The tape is thought to improve muscle tone and control in people with CP, but there is limited research to support its use on children with CP. These studies will seek to further that research, looking at the use of tape on muscle tone in participants and how it affects the movement of the leg and functional activities such as walking. The protocol will be followed with a cohort of children who have a diagnosis of CP (Study 1) and a group who do not have CP (Study 2).

We will provide information about the study and link to resources for children and families affected by CP, which we hope you will find helpful. This study is in the early stages and the website will be updated to keep you informed of our progress.

Information about the studies

The study is a two-phase study of the mechanism and effects of Elastic Therapeutic Taping (ETT) of the thigh in children.
 
Phase 1 looks at the mechanisms of action while Phase 2 is a more active trial investigating the effects of ETT on functional measures such as hamstring muscle length, sit to stand and walking.Although the key aspect of this research is the impact of ETT when assessing children with CP, Study 2 will allow us to compare the results when they are completed. Both studies follow the phases as described above.

In Study 1 (which is abbreviated to ETT4CP) the participants are children and young people with Cerebral Palsy and spastic hemiplegia or diplegia.

For Study 2 the cohort will be children and young people who do not have a neurological diagnosis and who do not present as having neurological difficulties

Elastic therapeutic taping

Aims of the studies

We hope that the studies will inform us whether taping can affect muscle tone and function and help us to understand how this may occur. The results will help inform a larger clinical trial into the effects of taping in children with Cerebral Palsy.

Phase 1

Phase 1 will assess how tape changes the response to stretching the hamstring muscles (the muscle at the back of the thigh). The hamstring muscle of the most affected or dominant leg will be stretched at different speeds using a motor. The stretch will be in the child’s current range of movement and there are motor safety features to prevent over-stretching the muscle. Muscle activity will be measured using pads attached to the muscles. 

This will assess whether the stretch gives rise to a contraction of the muscle and how this is affected by tape applied to the back or front of the thigh. The order of these tests will vary and there will be a five-minute rest between each taping application. It will take about 60 minutes to complete the whole process.

Phase 2

Phase 2 will assess how tape changes the length of the hamstrings, stiffness in the muscle and walking, standing patterns and abilities. Measures will be taken before and after the tape is applied to the back of the leg and in two “control” conditions when no tape is applied to the leg. We will cover the thigh in an elasticated stocking so the person taking the measures does not know whether tape has been applied or not. 

In Phase 2 we will take the following measures:

  • Myotonometer. This device applies a small tap to the back of the leg 3 times and measures how much the muscle moves (this looks at muscle stiffness).
  • Clinical measure muscle stiffness- with the child lying on their front the shin will be raised and allowed to drop with gravity three times; sensors attached to the leg will record how quickly the leg drops.
  • Muscle length will be assessed using sensors attached to the legs after stretching the leg slowly.
  • Timed sit to stand, five times.
  • Speed, quality and movement of the knee while walking over 5 meters, this will be recorded on video.

Information for participants with Cerebral Palsy (ETT4CP)

Information for participants who do not have Cerebral Palsy (ETT4Children)

Research Team

  • Samantha Payne, Clinical Researcher and Paediatric Physiotherapist – University of Plymouth
  • Dr Mary Cramp, Research Supervisor – University of West of England

Funding

ETT4CP (study 1) has received funding from:
Physiotherapy Research Foundation (part of the CSP Charitable Trust Registered Charity 279882), Reference Number: NP/17/01
Trial Sponsor: University of Plymouth
Ethical approval has been gained by: HRA and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW). REC reference 18/SW/0180EC
International Registered Trial Number (ISRCTN): Pending

ETT4TDC (study 2) has not received any funding.
Trial Sponsor: University of Plymouth
Ethical approval has been gained by: University of Plymouth, Faculty Research Ethics and Integrity Committee. Reference 19/20-1265