Kinesio Taping in Stroke Patient

Improved Hand Function in High-functioning Stroke Survivors by Applying Kinesio Taping: A Prospective Clinical Trial

Despite being nearly independent in daily life, chronic high-functioning stroke survivors still experienced mild impairments in skilled hand function. Kinesio Taping (KT) has been used to help stroke patients improve their balance and ambulation. Few studies explored the effects of KT on fine motor function in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hand function performance of high-functioning stroke survivors after KT. Participants were divided into two groups: KT group and control group. Last two days, the KT group received KT intervention. After the taping was removed, baseline and post-test evaluation were conducted. Outcome measures included muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), spasticity, fine motor function, and self-reported upper limb disability. The results revealed that the KT group had less spasticity, increasing ROM trend, and improved fine motor function and disability. KT improved spasticity, active movement, and muscle flexibility, resulting in more skilled and delicate hand function in chronic high-functioning stroke survivors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) Stroke with unilateral hemiparesis, (2) onset duration > 6 months, (3) Brunnstrom stage in the proximal and distal parts of the upper extremity > stage III, and (4) adequate cognitive ability to understand and cooperate with the experiment procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with skin problem (such as allergies, open wound), a history of upper extremity musculoskeletal diseases (such as fractures, tendon ruptures), or other peripheral neurological or systemic diseases were excluded.