Effects of kinesio taping on lower limb function after stroke: a meta-analysis / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To review the effect of kinesio taping on the lower limb function of stroke survivors.Methods:PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China′s National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Weipu Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database and the WanFang Database were searched for reports of randomized and controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effect of kinesio taping on the lower limb function of stroke survivors published between January 1st, 2000 and October 1st, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the reports, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the studies included. Version 5.3 of the RevMan software was used to analyze the extracted data.Results:A total of 13 RCTs involving 932 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that the experimental group was significantly superior to the control group in terms of the improvement in walking speed and function, balance, fall risk, quadriceps strength, leg triceps strength, and general lower limb motor functioning. Their ability in the activities of daily living was also better on average as was their general life quality.Conclusions:Kinesio taping can improve stroke survivors′ balance, motor ability, muscle strength and life quality.