Abstract

Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping for Hand on Grip Strength and Upper Limb Function in Subjects with Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cervical radiculopathy is common condition seen today. It is found to associate with upper limb dysfunction which in turn hinders daily activity due to muscular weakness. Grip strength is found to be reduced in cervical radiculopathy and is taken to be a good measure of upper limb function. Treatment of cervical radiculopathy is mainly concentrated over neck region and very less has been done to improve upper limb function. Kinesio taping is found to improve muscle activity and can be used to improve grip strength and function in cervical radiculopathy. Method: 32 subjects with unilateral cervical radiculopathy were randomly divided into 2 groups, experimental and conventional group (n=16). The conventional group was given intermittent cervical traction, hot moist pack, TENS and exercises and experimental group was given conventional treatment along with kinesio taping to extensor aspect of forearm. Preand post-values for grip and pinch strength and NDI and DASH were assessed and analysed. Result: There was marked improvement seen both groups, but there was significant improvement in grip and pinch strength seen in experimental group while there was improvement seen functional outcomes namely NDI and DASH. This suggests that kinesio taping does not play a role in improving grip strength but can improve upper limb function.

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