Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Growth and Development Disorders in Pediatrics

Background: Contracture formation of the elbow flexors occurs in the majority of children recovering from extended Erb{u2019}s palsy. Objective: To investigate the effect of kinesiotaping in preventing elbow flexion tightness in infants with extended Erb{u2019}s palsy. Method: Thirty-two infants from both genders, aged 3-6 months, and diagnosed with extended Erb{u2019}s palsy, were randomly allocated into two groups equally. Group (A) received a designed program of physical therapy triweekly for three months, while group (B) received the same physical therapy program in addition to Triceps kinesiotaping. Assessment of muscle power and elbow extension range of motion were conducted using the Toronto Active Motion Scale and smartphone goniometer 2G-Pro3 application respectively. Assessment was conducted before and after 3 months of treatment for both groups. Results: Significant difference was recorded in elbow extension range of motion when comparing the affected side with the non-affected side in group (A) after the treatment (P=0.0001), while there was non-significant difference in group (B) (P=0.234). Significant improvements of elbow extensors{u2019} and flexors{u2019} muscle strength were obtained post-treatment within each group.There was significant difference between both groups regarding extensor and flexor muscle strength in favor of group (B) (P=0.0001, P=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Kinesiotaping of the Triceps muscles is an effective modality for boosting muscle power and preventing the occurrence of elbow flexion tightness in affected infants with extended Erb{u2019}s palsy

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