Neuromuscular taping versus sham therapy on muscular strength and motor performance in multiple sclerosis patients

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in leg muscles strength and motor performance between neuromuscular taping (NT) and sham tape groups. Method: 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). Results: Forty MS patients (38F; 2M; mean age 45.56.5 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. Conclusions: 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.Implications for RehabilitationNeuromuscular 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.