No direct effects of KT were observed on gross motor function and functional independence, though sitting posture (head, neck, foot position and arm, hand function) was affected positively. These results may imply that in clinical settings KT may be a beneficial assistive treatment approach when combined with physiotherapy.

T Th he e e ef ff fe ec ct ts s o of f K Ki in ne es si io o t ta ap pi in ng g o on n s si it tt ti in ng g p po os st tu ur re e a an nd d f fu un nc ct ti io on na al l i in nd de ep pe en nd de en nc ce e i in n c ch hi il ld dr re en n w wi it th h m my ye el lo om me en ni in ng go oc ce el le e: : r re ep po or rt t o of f f fo ou ur r c ca as se es s T Tü ül la ay y T Ta ar rs su us sl lu u fi fii im mfl fle ek k, , B Ba ah hr ri iy ye e T Tü ür rk kü üc cü üo o¤ ¤l lu u* *, , G Go on nc ca a Ü Üs st tü ün nb ba afl fl* ** *, , N Ni il la ay y Ç Ço ok ka al l* ** ** * IntroductionMyelomeningocele (MM) is a defect of neural arch which causes body structure and function disorders, participation restrictions and activity limitation in children (1,2). In addition to spinal involvement muscle weakness and sensory loss in the lower extremities, upper extremity dysfunction, bladder and intestinal incontinence, hyrocephalus leading to cognitive dysfunction and Arnold Chiari II malformation may affect many patients (3,4). In myelomeningocele, not only spinal involvement, but also central nervous system involvement characterized by neurologic defects is significant (5, 6). Multi-center approaches are needed for physical and physiologic problems occuring during childhood and adolescence in patients with myelomeningocele.Physiotherapic approaches are widely applied in myelomeningocele and rehabilitation approaches aim to increase muscle power and tonus and protect growth and function of the child by preventing contractures (6,7). To develop sitting and walking functions in children with myelomeningocele different approaches may be applied in addition to physiotherapy exercises (various sitting apparatus, surgical methods, electro-mechanical devices etc.) (8,9). In this study, the effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) method which was described in 1996 by Dr. Kenzo Kase and which can be used to strengthen weak muscles, control joint "instability", increase sensory stimulation, increase functional motor skills, help with postural straightness and support functionality in pediatric rehabilitation clinics in addition to physiotherapy programs on sitting posture and functional independence in four cases were analysed (10, 11). Dr. Kenzo reported that using KT method in addition to exercise could lead to better outcomes (10, 11). Similarly, KT method was used in children who received a regular physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in this study. C Ca as se e R Re ep po or rt t S Su um mm ma ar ry yMyelomeningocele is a defect of neural arch which causes body structure and function disorders, participation restrictions and activity limitation in children. Protecting body structure and functions and gaining functional independence are the most important goals in rehabilitation of children with myelomeningocele. In this study, we analysed the effects of Kinesio taping on sitting posture and functional independence in 4 cases with a diagnosis of myelomeningocele. (Turk Arch Ped 2011; 46: 170-3)