The Effect of Kinesiotape Applied on Paraspinal Muscles on Balance in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, is a disease characterized by myelin, oligodendrocyte and axon damage. Research continues on the autoimmune, infectious, environmental, vascular and genetic origins of this disease, which affects approximately 2.5 million people in the world and is seen 2-3 times more in women than in men. Although the signs and symptoms of the disease vary according to the location of the lesion; frequently, loss of strength, spasticity, sensory disturbances, fatigue, ataxia, autonomic dysfunction, and decreased visual acuity are observed.

Balance problems are seen in 50-80% of MS patients. Balance requires the controlled coordination of many central nervous system structures. Integration of vestibular, visual and somatosensory information is required to achieve and maintain balance. Vestibular ataxia occurs as a result of problems in the vestibular systems. These patients try to reduce head and eye movements as much as possible in order to maintain their balance. Symptoms arising from vestibular system dysfunction are seen in 49-59% of MS patients. symptoms; includes vertigo, drowsiness, and balance disorder. Somatosensory problems are seen in 80% of MS patients. Since the somatosensory system is one of the most fundamental factors in maintaining postural control and balance, sensory ataxia findings are frequently encountered in these patients due to the somatosensory system involvement. The most basic finding seen in these patients is that they perform many activities in daily life mostly using the visual system, since the information coming from the somatosensory system is not sufficient. The cerebellum and its efferent and afferent pathways are commonly affected in MS; and cerebellar ataxia is one of the most common symptoms especially in the progressive phase of the disease. Gait ataxia is thought to occur predominantly due to damage to the anterior lobe of the cerebellum. Trunk, extremity, or gait ataxia findings may occur singly and/or together, depending on the affected area of the cerebellum. balance dysfunction in MS patients; It is shaped mainly on the basis of three problems: decreased ability to maintain the existing position, a slow and limited movement towards the limits of stability, and delayed responses to postural displacements. In MS patients, functional balance performance is also affected in situations that require multitasking.

Kinesiotape is a relatively new method used in rehabilitation programs, and it is increasingly becoming an adjunctive treatment option for multidisciplinary rehabilitation in MS patients. It is a thin and elastic band that can stretch up to 120-140% of its original length. It is therefore highly elastic and causes fewer mechanism restrictions compared to the conventional tape. This technique normalizes muscle function, increases lymphatic and vascular flow, reduces pain, strengthens weakened muscles, and helps with postural alignment by relaxing overused muscles. It has been claimed that the effects of kinesiotape may result from sensorimotor and proprioceptive feedback mechanisms. Kinesiotape provides rapid sensorimotor feedback: patients usually report relief of symptoms, increased comfort level, or stability of the involved joint within a few days. Kinesiotape may be an alternative rehabilitation option when a rapid effect is required in the treatment of MS. However, more clinical and neurophysiological studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of action and effects of the Kinesiotape technique.

With these approaches, the effect of Kinesiotape application on balance will be investigated in individuals with ataxic MS. Based on this idea, our work; It was planned to investigate the effect of kinesiotape application on balance in individuals diagnosed with ataxic multiple sclerosis.

In our study, patients diagnosed with MS by a neurologist at Fırat University Hospital will be evaluated.