Effects of Kinesiology Taping in Stroke Patients

The Immediate Effects of Kinesiology Taping on the Trunk-Scapula-Shoulder Complex in Stroke Patients: A Placebo-Controlled Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if kinesiology taping works to treat stroke patients. The main question it aims to answer is:

Is kinesiology taping effective in stroke patients? Researchers compare kinesiology taping to a placebo (visually similar but has no effects) to see if kinesiology taping works immediately to treat stroke patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping (KT) on trunk control, posture, proprioception, and upper limb function in stroke patients, specifically focusing on the trunk-scapula-shoulder complex. A total of thirty-seven stroke patients participated in this placebo-controlled trial, where they were randomly assigned to either the KT group (n=19) or a placebo-controlled sham KT group (n=18). The KT group received kinesiology taping applied using facilitation and inhibition techniques, while the control group received sham taping without therapeutic tension.

The application of kinesiology taping to the trunk-scapula-shoulder complex in stroke patients resulted in immediate enhancements in trunk control, shoulder posture, and proprioception. However, it did not significantly improve upper limb function in the short term.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Experienced a first-ever stroke
• Demonstrated a motor recovery level of Brunnstrom stages 3 or 4 in the affected upper limb
• No history of botulinum toxin-A therapy within the past three months
• Possess sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow assessment instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with movement or functional limitations due to prior shoulder injuries
• Exhibited allergic reactions or skin sensitivities to taping
• Patients with any existing skin conditions