Combination taping technique versus ankle foot orthosis on improving gait parameters in spastic cerebral palsy: A controlled randomized study.

Only 36 children completed follow-up out of 39 enrolled, and group sizes were small, so the estimates may be imprecise. All children continued conventional physical therapy, including stretching tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles, postural reaction training, proprioceptive training and walking training, so the study cannot separate the contribution of ankle-foot orthosis or taping from the therapy they were already receiving. The assessor was blinded, but children and parents knew which device or taping they received. Outcomes were measured only immediately after 4 weeks, so it does not show whether gait changes last after the orthosis or taping is stopped. Only solid community-prescribed ankle-foot orthoses were tested, not hinged, ventral shell, dorsal shell or posterior leaf spring types. Only spatial and temporal gait parameters were measured, not joint movement or forces during walking. Participants had to be GMFCS I or II and able to stand and walk independently, so the results may not apply to children with more severe cerebral palsy.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not conclude that combination taping alone improves gait in spastic cerebral palsy. All children continued conventional physical therapy, and the study measured only immediate 4-week outcomes after adding taping or an ankle-foot orthosis, so it cannot separate the effect of taping by itself or show long-term benefit.