Document Type : Original article
Authors
1
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Science, Semnan, Iran.
3
Department of Biostatistics, Proteomics Research Center, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.32598/SJRM.14.6.2432
Abstract
Background and Aims Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults, with hemiparesis being its most common complication, affecting balance, motor control, sensation, and muscle tone. Impaired static and dynamic balance limits functional mobility and daily activities. Kinesiotaping (KT) has been proposed to enhance muscle activation, proprioception, and postural control; however, evidence regarding its immediate effects on chronic stroke patients remains inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of KT applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles on balance, walking speed, spasticity, and muscle tone.
Methods Twenty-four chronic stroke patients, who were able to walk 10 meters and stand unsupported for 1 minute, participated in this before-and-after study. Static and dynamic balance were measured using a force plate, functional mobility was assessed with the timed up and go (TUG) test and the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and muscle tone/spasticity was assessed via the modified ashworth scale (MMAS). KT was applied to facilitate the tibialis anterior and hamstrings while inhibiting the quadriceps and gastrocnemius, in accordance with international guidelines. Assessments were performed immediately before and after KT application. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, depending on normality.
Results KT did not significantly change the MMAS scores, indicating a minimal immediate effect on muscle tone. However, functional mobility improved, with significant decreases in TUG and 10MWT times. Dynamic balance improved in the mediolateral direction, as indicated by reduced center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity, whereas anteroposterior parameters showed no significant changes. Improvements in static balance were limited to decreased anteroposterior COP displacement.
Conclusion Immediate KT application in chronic stroke patients enhances dynamic balance and walking speed, particularly in mediolateral postural control, likely through increased proprioceptive feedback. No significant immediate effect on muscle tone was observed. Long-term studies are recommended to evaluate sustained functional benefits.
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