A critical appraisal of "The immediate effect of kinesiology taping on muscular imbalance in the lateral flexors of the neck in infants: a randomized masked study"

This evidence-based study assignment appraises an article written about the immediate effects of kineisotape (KT) on congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) in infants; based on concepts learned in a course required for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Angelo State University. Upon selecting an article based off a personal interest question, the experimental study was analyzed for strengths and weaknesses within each section. Ultimately, the researcher provides great detail and support when presenting the study allowing readers to have confidence in the data. Clinically, the researcher applied extra efforts to prevent other factors from hindering the study's reliability. Within the methods, a major strength was found in detailing the process of the experiment allowing for future study replication. Similarly, in the discussion, the author addresses limitations within the study and states the need for further research into the intervention. The author's use of self-sourcing seemed to be the only major flaw found. Aside from this, each portion of the paper had more strengths than weakness when considering the elimination of bias. The study found that KT did have a significant immediate effect on CMT thus supporting my original question. After careful separation and evaluation of each portion, I do believe the article to be dependable for use in the physical therapy profession. This article is aimed toward helping parents understand the use of KT on infants and provides a brief but thorough study as evidence. Appraisal of experimental studies are important in furthering evidence-based practice of physical therapy. Once an intervention has proven to be consistent, the therapist can have more confidence in use during treatments. However, if a therapist cannot correctly appraise an article, he or she may trust an unreliable source. This appraisal provides a guidance to readers in investigating the study's positives and negatives. Thus, allowing the reader to form his or her own opinion on the experiment's authenticity.