Effect of Wrapping Technique on Range of Motion and Muscle Tone of Upper Extremity in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study

In children with severe spastic cerebral palsy, the presence of primary reflexes prevents normal movement patterns and delayed treatment. Wrapping technique is one of the methods used to reduce muscle tone. Wrapping technique is one of the methods used to increasing upper extremity function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this technique on the reduction of spasticity and increase the range of upper extremity in children with cerebral palsy.

In this experimental and pilot study, 20 children {mean (±SD) age = 4.35 (±1.18) year} were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. In both groups, the passive ranges of motion and muscle tone (external shoulder rotation, shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, and wrist extension) were measured by goniometer and modified Ashworth scale before and after the intervention. Both groups received regular rehabilitation services, and the intervention group took wrapping along with those services. Independent t-test was used to examine the pretest and posttest to differentiate between the two groups.

The results of this test showed an increase in the passive range of motion in the intervention group compared with the control group. Our study also suggested tone reduction in all intended muscles, except in wrist extensor, during 12 treatment sessions in the intervention group.

In summary, the use of the wrapping technique is an effective method for reducing muscle tone and increasing the passive range of motion.