Therapy Taping Method: Therapeutic Approach in Two Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of elastic bandage through the Therapy Taping Method on the execution of motor functions of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Two children with confirmed clinical diagnosis of DMD that visited the physiotherapy clinic at Metrocamp College were selected. Their degree of motor function was assessed by Motor Function Measure -20 Scale (MFM-20), performing then a month of physical therapy in the therapy pool without the use of bandage, in order to verify the primary functionality degree. After this period, the subjects were reassessed according to the mentioned scale, starting the application of the bandage technique in oblique muscles and quadriceps bilaterally, in conjunction with the treatment in hydrotherapy. The bandages were exchanged weekly, in a total of 24 weeks. The data was analyzed by comparing results before and after the treatment. Results: The scores of the MFM-20 scale remained the same as the initial assessment after the hydrotherapy sessions without the use of bandage. However, there was an increase in scores after the combination of the use of elastic bandage with hydrotherapy. Conclusion: The elastic bandage using the Therapy Taping Method allowed increased execution capacity of the motor activities of these children with DMD, slowing the development of symptoms.