Immediate Effect of Non-Elastic Taping on Gait Balance in Stroke Patients

Immediate Effect of Non-Elastic Taping on Gait Balance in Stroke Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial

After a stroke, most patients have poor ankle control and difficulty walking. Considering that proper foot placement will provide a more balanced and controlled gait, the aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of non-elastic ankle taping providing eversion support on gait balance in stroke patients.

The study included 30 stroke patients. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention group(n=15) and the control group(n=15). The control group received 45 min of conventional physiotherapy. The intervention group received 45 min of conventional physiotherapy after nonelastic taping, which provides eversion support. The gait balance of both groups was evaluated using the Dynamic Gait Index before and after treatment. . Pre- and post-intervention data were statistically analyzed and compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• having a stroke diagnosis at least 6 months ago,
• being between the ages of 18 and 75,
• having a spasticity grade of 0, 1, 1+, 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale,
• having no cooperation problems and being mobilized without support.

Exclusion Criteria:

• orthopedic problems such as surgical intervention, fracture history, presence of cognitive, visual, or cardiovascular diseases
• skin sensitivity in the foot and ankle that may affect gait.