Kinesthetic taping improves walking function in patients with stroke: a pilot cohort study

Inhibitory kinesiotaping has no effect on post-stroke spasticity: Prospective, randomised, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Motor neuron pool activity is high in spasticity. The effect of inhibitory kinesiotaping (KT) on spasticity is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of inhibitory KT on spasticity after stroke.

METHODS

Fifty stroke patients with ankle plantarflexor spasticity were randomised to intervention (27) and control (23) groups. Inhibitory KT was applied to the triceps surae muscle in the intervention group and sham KT to the Achilles tendon in the control group. Inhibitory and sham KT were applied for 72 h with a combined conventional rehabilitation programme. Spasticity was assessed at baseline and 72 h after KT using three instruments: Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Homosynaptic Post-Activation Depression (HPAD) reflecting the level of motor neuron pool activity, and joint torque as a measure of resistance to passive ankle dorsiflexion.

RESULTS

The baseline MAS score, HPAD levels and dorsiflexion torque of the two groups were not significantly different. The change in MAS score was -3.7 ± 17.5 (p = 0.180) in the intervention group and 3.6 ± 33.3 (p = 0.655) in the control group. The change in dorsiflexion torque was -0.3 ± 16.1 kg m (p = 0.539) in the intervention group and 8.0 ± 24.1 kg m (p = 0.167) in the control group. The change in mean HPAD was 8.7 ± 34.7 (p = 0.911) in the intervention group and 10.1 ± 41.6 (p = 0.609) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that inhibitory KT has no antispastic effect in stroke patients.

Effect of inhibitory kinesiotaping on spasticity in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus regarding the positive effect of kinesiotaping (KT) on spasticity. All previous studies have measured spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scale which is a subjective clinical assessment.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of inhibitory KT on the spasticity of plantar flexor muscles using both Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) and MAS scale. H-reflex is a neurophysiological technique that objectively evaluates spasticity by reflecting the excitability of motor neurons.

METHODS

Thirty patients were randomly assigned into inhibitory KT (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The inhibitory KT group received KT from insertion to the origin of gastrocsoleus muscle . Spasticity was assessed at baseline and 30 min and 48 h after taping by H-reflex and MAS scale. The control group received no taping and spasticity was assessed at baseline and 30 min and 48 h after the baseline.

RESULT

There was a significant time × group effect for the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the H_max/M_max ratio (p = .007), indicating that H_max/M_max ratio decreased significantly after 48 h in the inhibitory KT in comparison with the baseline (P = .001) and 30 min after-intervention (p = .002); meanwhile, it did not change significantly in the control group (P > .05). However, none of the groups showed a statistically significant change in MAS score (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of inhibitory KT was found to be able to reduce the H_max/M_max ratio in patients with stroke. As a result, inhibitory KT could have beneficial effects on spasticity.

Short-Term Effect of Kinesio Taping of Lower-Leg Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Pattern on Gait Parameter and Dynamic Balance in Chronic Stroke with Foot Drop

The aim of this study is to identify the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) leg Kinesio taping on gait parameters and dynamic balance in chronic stroke patients with foot drop. A total 22 chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 11) and control groups (n = 11). All subjects underwent conventional therapy and gait training for 50 min. The experimental group additionally received KT of tibialis anterior muscle (TA) and hamstring muscles according to the PNF pattern. The control group received KT of only TA. The primary outcome measures that the gait parameter are gait velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length. Dynamic balance was measured by the timed up-and-go test (TUG) time and activity-specific balance confidence scale (ABC) as the secondary outcomes. All of the measurements were performed baseline and 24 h after intervention. Our results showed that the experimental group showed significant improvements in gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length and TUG, and ABC score compared with the control group. We conclude that the short term effect of application of lower-leg KT according to the PNF pattern increased the gait ability and dynamic balance of chronic stroke patients with foot drop.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Spasticity: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study in Para-Swimmers

CONTEXT

Kinesio Taping (KT) produces several clinical effects, including pain relief, edema absorption, and improved muscle performance. When applied in the insertion to origin mode, it is claimed to inhibit excessive muscle contractions.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate whether KT applied in the insertion to origin mode could reduce the exaggerated reflex contraction of spastic muscles.

DESIGN

Randomized crossover trial, with a restricted block randomization.

SETTING

Clinical laboratory and swimming pool.

PATIENTS

Seven para-swimmers.

INTERVENTION

KT, applied in inhibitory mode, to investigate its effect on knee extensor spasticity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome is stretch reflex, as compared with clinical assessment of spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale and self-perceived spasticity by numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes were Medical Research Council for strength of knee extensor muscles and chronometric swimming performance in 100-m freestyle.

RESULTS

KT significantly decreased the amplitude of stretch reflex (P < .001), whereas the placebo treatment produced no significant effects. Scores of Medical Research Council for strength and Modified Ashworth Scale did not change after KT, whereas numeric rating scale scores for spasticity significantly decreased (P = .001). The swimming performance was significantly improved after KT treatment as compared with baseline (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

This exploratory study performed on para-athletes suggests that KT could reduce spasticity. This outcome has 3-fold implications for clinical, rehabilitation, and sport methods.

Effects of kinesio taping on hemiplegic hand in patients with upper limb post-stroke spasticity: a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke spasticity is a common complication in patients with stroke and a key contributor to impaired hand function after stroke.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on managing spasticity of upper extremity and motor performance in patients with subacute stroke.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled pilot study.

SETTING

A hospital center.

POPULATION

Participants with stroke within six months.

METHODS

Thirty-one participants were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into kinesio taping (KT) group or control group. In KT group, Kinesio Tape was applied as an add-on treatment over the dorsal side of the affected hand during the intervention. Both groups received regular rehabilitation 5 days a week for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was muscle spasticity measured by modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes were functional performances of affected limb measured by using Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), Brunnstrom stage, and the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF). Measures were taken before intervention, right after intervention (the third week) and two weeks later (the fifth week).

RESULTS

Within-group comparisons yielded significant differences in FMA-UE and Brunnstrom stages at the third and fifth week in the control group (P=0.003-0.019). In the KT group, significant differences were noted in FMA-UE, Brunnstrom stage, and MAS at the third and fifth week (P=0.001-0.035), and in the proximal part of FMA-UE between the third and fifth week (P=0.005). Between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in the distal part of FMA-UE at the fifth week (P=0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Kinesio taping could provide some benefits in reducing spasticity and in improving motor performance on the affected hand in patients with subacute stroke.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Kinesio taping could be a choice for clinical practitioners to use for effectively managing post-stroke spasticity.

Use of Kinesio taping in lower-extremity rehabilitation of post-stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

and purpose: The benefits of Kinesio taping (KT) in post-stroke rehabilitation have not been determined. This study aimed to evaluate its effects on lower-extremity rehabilitation in patients after a stroke.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using EBSCOhost, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed, and Wanfang Data through June 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of KT during lower-extremity, post-stroke rehabilitation were selected. Meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 14 RCTs of low to moderate quality were reviewed and included 783 participants. Results indicated that KT significantly improved patients' lower extremity spasticity, motor function, balance, ambulation, gait parameters, and daily activities, with few adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

KT may have positive effects on lower-extremity, post-stroke rehabilitation. Due to the limited number and quality of the research, additional studies are needed to identify KT benefits.

The effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower-leg taping and treadmill training on mobility in patients with stroke

The elastic-taping method of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) concept is nonexistent. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effect of treadmill training (TT) using PNF lower-leg taping (PNFLT) on walking and balance ability in patients with stroke. There were a total of 27 patients: a stroke allocated control group (n=13) and an experimental group (n=14). The control group performed the TT and the experimental group performed the TT using PNF taping five times a week for 6 weeks. Walking and balance ability were measured using the 6-min walk test (6MWT), the 10-m walking test (10MWT), and the timed up and go test (TUG). Before and after the intervention, a paired t-test was performed to compare different within-group differences. Independent t-tests were performed to compare different between-group differences. All statistical significance levels were set at α of 0.05. After intervention, 6MWT, 10MWT and TUG improved significantly in PNFLT-TT and TT group (P<0.01). After intervention, the PNFLT-TT group showed more effective changes that the TT group in 6MWT, 10MWT, and TUG (P<0.05 and <0.01) between PNFLT-TT and TT group. The intervention of PNFLT-TT was effective in improving walking and balance ability in patients with stroke. Basic elastic tape for the PNF concept and TT may be useful interventions as a program to improve walking and balance ability in patients with stroke.

Efeitos do uso do Kinesio® Taping na marcha de indivíduos pós-acidente vascular encefálico: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise

RESUMO O Kinesio® Taping (KT) vem sendo utilizado na reabilitação de pacientes pós-acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) e vários estudos recentes têm investigado seus efeitos na marcha destes indivíduos, reportando resultados promissores. Investigou-se, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, os efeitos do uso do KT na marcha de indivíduos pós-AVE. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, LILACS e PEDro, sem restrição de data ou idioma de publicação. Os artigos foram selecionados de forma independente por dois avaliadores e discordâncias foram resolvidas por um terceiro. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada de acordo com a escala PEDro. Quando possível, as medidas de desfecho foram analisadas utilizando o programa Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, Versão 3.0. Foram incluídos quinze estudos de qualidade metodológica baixa a moderada (média de 4,7). Para velocidade de marcha, foram incluídos na metanálise sete estudos de qualidade metodológica baixa a moderada que, sob o modelo de efeitos fixos, encontrou que o KT aumentou significativamente a velocidade de marcha dos indivíduos pós-AVE em 0,05 m/s (95% IC 0,002 a 0,100; I2 = 0%; p<0.05). No entanto, para o comprimento do passo, mobilidade funcional e equilíbrio não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05). Esta revisão sistemática da literatura demonstrou que ainda não existem evidências sobre o uso do KT na reabilitação de pacientes pós-AVE com o objetivo de melhorar a marcha. Embora a velocidade de marcha, segundo a metanálise, tenha apresentado um ganho estatisticamente significativo, seu valor não pode ser considerado clinicamente relevante para os pacientes.

The effects of kinesiology taping therapy on degenerative knee arthritis patients' pain, function, and joint range of motion

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of kinesiology taping therapy on degenerative knee arthritis patients' pain, function, and joint range of motion. [Subjects] To conduct the experiment in the present study, 30 patients with degenerative knee arthritis were divided into a control group (the conservative treatment group) of 15 patients, who received conservative physical therapy, and an experimental group (the kinesiology taping group) of 15 patients, who received kinesiology taping therapy. [Methods] All patients received treatment three times per week for four weeks. The kinesiology taping group had elastic tapes applied to the hamstring muscles, anterior tibialis, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius. The range of motion was measured using joint goniometers, pain was measured using visual analog scales, and functional evaluation was conducted using the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. [Results] In intragroup comparisons of the kinesiology taping group and the conservative treatment group, the visual analog scale and Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores significantly decreased, and the range of motion increased more than significantly. In intergroup comparisons, the kinesiology taping group showed significantly lower visual analog scale and Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores and significantly larger ranges of motion than the conservative treatment group. [Conclusion] Kinesiology taping therapy is considered to be an effective nonsurgical intervention method for pain relief, daily living activities, and range of motion of degenerative knee arthritis patients.

Effects of Lower-Leg Kinesiology Taping on Balance Ability in Stroke Patients with Foot Drop

Objective. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of lower-leg kinesiology taping on balance ability in stroke patients with foot drop. Design. Randomized controlled trial study. Method. Thirty stroke patients with foot drop were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group underwent kinesiology taping, and the control group underwent placebo taping. Balance ability was assessed before and after taping in both groups. Results. No difference was observed over time in the Berg Balance Scale score between the two groups, and a significant difference in the Berg Balance Scale score was observed only in the experimental group. Additionally, there were significant differences in the center of pressure area and limits of stability over time. Conclusion. Kinesiology taping temporarily improved static balance ability in stroke patients. However, its effect on dynamic balance was not verified. Therefore, further research on the influence of long-term kinesiology taping on dynamic balance and gait ability is suggested.