Introduction: Elastic adhesive tape is a therapeutic procedure mostly used on patients with musculosceletal and neurosceletal defects. Its elastic features are very similar to those of the skin and it is presumed that the tape may have an effect on muscle tone, may improve range of motion, balance and gait and may have an influence on muscle function, muscle strength and posture in adults. Elastic tape is often used on children as an adjunct to physiotherapy and may replace hand stimulus. By activating cutaneous receptors the tape is supposed to affect neuralmuscular activity and therefore it may improve functional movement in children with cerebral palsy. Purpose: To review the existing research on effectiveness of elastic adhesive tape in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Literature review was the method for this thesis. Randomised controlled trials and controlled trials in english language up to june 2016 found in variuos databases were included in the review. Results: Seven trials were included in the review of which five found positive effects on gross motor functions, dynamic activities and functional independence whereas there are conflicting results on fine motor functions, wrist range of motion and knee hyperextension control. There is insufficient evidence regarding balance and posture. Discussion and conclusion: Elastic adhesive tape can have an affect on gross motor functions, dynamic activities and functional independence combined with physiotherapy where higher improvements may be possible with lower level of cerebral palsy. We assume that enhanced stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors is the reason for improvement. These findings can not be generalised because the group of people with cerebral palsy is highly diverse and there is a small number of studies. To reach a consensus on effectivenes of elastic adhesive tape future studies are needed.
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