There are no specific 'tape related' tests for this situation as far as I am aware.

I would suggest using the normal AROM if possible.

You might try using a video camera. Try enticing movement from the child and record this on video and check carefully afterwards. By freezing the images and standardizing (if possible) the moves the child makes you might be able to manage assessing angles.

Which assessment(s) are you using to track your general therapy (function) goals?

Are you using taping AND CIMT as one treatment?

Or are you comparing one to the other?

Would like to know more about your ideas behind the application as these can vary a lot. Maybe I can think out aloud with you.

Be aware that colours differ (mechanical properties per brand per colour) and that you will need to standardize colour and tape brand if you think of doing more research in the future.

Be aware that the hypothesis origin/insertion has never been proven to be correct.

You might need to think 'out of the box' if the application you are using does not have the effect you expected.

Others have been doing so and I am one of them... :) feel free to ask questions.

Thank you so much for your input. These are great ideas. Yes we are flexible with our taping technique and agree with you about O/I. We will be using the same brand and colors. We are doing it in conjunction with CIMT as we find it is sometimes hard to cue the child to control multiple factors (ie wrist and finger movements). Having the KT will let us free up our hands for grading finger/grasp tasks while maintaining good alignment.

I have just had a short look at your work and would suggest it might be a very good idea to have a pow-wow about elastic therapeutic (Kinesio) taping especially in paediatrics in general.

There are many things to be taken into account as for example the colour, the amount of stretch, the reasoning behind the application, the amount of tape used. There are a number of pitfalls especially regarding research.

In general I find that most people use MUCH TOO MUCH tape on the little ones and it is neither necessary nor advisable.

we are taping the dorsum of the hand. (From MCPs to shortly past the wrist) then a small piece from lateral thumb to forearm. We tend to be conservative in our taping. Thanks for the warning. We will keep that in mind.

That sound good. I presume you are using the muscle technique and with the skin pre-stretched?

In the courses I tend to say that using 10-15% stretch is enough to obtain good result. This is especially the case in neurological disorders. Even in adults and the elderly, pre-stretching the skin and applying 0-10% stretch can be enough.

you can measure it by electronic geniometer or inertial sensors

We don't have an electronic goniometer but did use sensor points and video taped pre-intervention assessment.

Thanks for your feedback.

are you plan to use the range during specific movement? or as traditional ROM ?

We took both measurements. When reaching for a preferred object at on command.

am with Esther...you have only 2D motion analysis by video record and any software program to track colored markers on anatomical landmarks of elbow, wrist and MCP

I'd use electrogoniometers (e.g. biometrics ltd).

Hi Edgar, I have had a little look at the biometrics website but do not see any equipment that would be suitable for a very young child. Do you know if they have this at all? A lot of the children that are currently recieving CMIT are most often very young.

Hi Esther, you can try the finger sensors to see if that works... Otherwise, you may contact them to see if they would manufacture one for your needs. They've been very helpful in the past.

regarding 2D motion analysis you can use Correl Draw software program

3D motion analysis systems able to measure wirst kinematics are available in many Gait Labs and can provide you with data for this movements. You can also go for an electrogoniometer, with lower prices and similar results as biometrics.

http://www.biometricsltd.com/gonio.htm

Thank you Ursula, again, the size is the problem. The electrogoniometer cannot be used in such young infants.