ABSTRACT
The evaluation of balance includes clinical observation, scales and instrumental measures. Functional Reach Test is simple and can be carried out in both standing and sitting, but the error of reading the measuring ruler is large, which results in new moving rulers and inertial sensors. The factors influencing the results of Functional Reach Test are moving strategy, age, moving efficiency, goal orientation, single or double arms, human characteristics, number of experiments and others. In the future, combination of electromyogram and inertia sensor can be used to discuss the variety of muscles and the changes of muscle strength, and more influence factors for the test are needed to research.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effect of Kinesio taping on lower limb motor function in patients with hemiplegia at different stages of stroke. Methods:From August, 2015 to August, 2017, 60 patients at stages of Brunnstrom III (n = 30) and Brunnstrom IV (n = 30) were randomly divided into control group (n = 15) and treatment group (n = 15). All the patients received comprehensive rehabilitation training, while the treatment group taped Kinesio taping in the lower extremities, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Time 'Up & Go' Test (TUGT) and gait analysis before and after treatment. Results:The results of all the measurements improved after treatment in all the groups (P < 0.001). For the patients at Brunnstrom IV, FMA-LE score and walking speed improved more in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment (P < 0.01); for those at Brunnstrom III, FMA-LE score, walking speed, TUGT time, hip extension angle and gait symmetry improved more in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Kinesio taping is effective on the lower limb motor function for patients with hemiplegia after stroke, especially for patients at Brunnstrom III.